2. SCOPE OF
MICROBIOLOGY
• Microorganisms are present everywhere on earth
which includes humans, animals, plants and other
living creatures, soil, water and atmosphere.
• Microbes can multiply in all three habitats except in the
atmosphere. Together their numbers far exceed all
other living cells on this planet.
• Microorganisms are relevant to all of us in a multitude
of ways. The influence of microorganism in human life
is both beneficial as well as detrimental also.
• For example microorganisms are required for the
production of bread, cheese, yogurt, alcohol, wine,
beer, antibiotics (e.g. penicillin, streptomycin,
chloromycetin), vaccines, vitamins, enzymes and
many more important products.
4. What is the role of microbiology in agriculture?
Microbial solutions enable farmers to drive yield and productivity in a sustainable way.
Deriving from various naturally-occurring microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi,
these solutions can protect crops from pests and diseases and enhance plant
productivity and fertility The influence of microbes on agriculture; the prevention of the
diseases that mainly damage the useful crops.
Google Doodle is celebrating the life and work of Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, who was
born today in 1632. Commonly known as the father of microbiology and considered the
first microbiologist, Mr van Leeuwenhoek was the first scientist to observe and describe
microorganisms.
5. Bacteria:- more dominant group of microorganisms in the soil and equal to one half of the
microbial biomass in soil. Population 100,000 to several hundred millions for gram of soil -
autochthnous - zymogenous groups. Majority are heterotrophs. (Common soil bacteria -
arthrobacter, bacillus, clostridium, micrococcus).
Actinomycetes - intermediate group between bacteria and fungi. Numerous and widely
distributed in soil. Abundance is next to bacteria. 104 - 108/g soil. 70% of soil actinomycetes are
streptomyces. Many of them are known to produce antibiotics. Population increases with depth
of soil.
Fungi: more numerous in surface layers of well-aerated and cultivated soils-dominant in acid
soils. Common genera in soil are aspergillus, mucor, penicillium trichoderma, alternaria,
rhizopus. Algae – found in most of the soils in number ranges from 100 to 10,000 per g.
Protozoa: unicellular – population ranges from 10,000 to 100,000 per g of soil. Most of the soil
forms are flagellates, amoebae or ciliates. Derive their nutrition by devouring soil bacteria.
Abundant in upper larger of the soil. They are regulating the biological equilibrium in soil
SOIL MICROORGANISMS
6. IMPORTANCE
OF SOIL
MICROORGANISMS
Importance of soil microorganisms
i. Involved in nutrient transformation process
ii. Decomposition of resistant components of plant and
animal tissue
iii. Role in microbial antagonism
7. FOOD / DIARY MICROBIOLOGY
FOOD SAFETY
SCP SINGLE CELL PROTEIN
PROBIOTICS
8. WHAT IS FOOD
MICROBIOLOGY ?
Food microbiology is the study of
the microorganisms that inhibit, create,
or contaminate food. This includes the study of
microorganisms causing food spoilage; as well
as, pathogens that may cause disease especially if food
is improperly cooked or stored. Those used to
produce fermented foods such
as cheese, yogurt, bread, beer, and wine. Then those
researchers with other useful roles such as
producing probiotics
9. Food safety is a major focus of food microbiology. Numerous agents of disease
and pathogens are readily transmitted via food which includes bacteria and viruses.
Microbial toxins are also possible contaminants of food;
However, microorganisms and their products can also be used to combat these
pathogenic microbes. Probiotic bacteria, including those that
produce bacteriocins can kill and inhibit pathogens. Alternatively,
purified bacteriocins such as nisin can be added directly to food products.
Finally, bacteriophages, viruses that only infect bacteria can be used to kill bacterial
pathogens. Thorough preparation of food, including proper cooking, eliminates most
bacteria and viruses. However, toxins produced by contaminants may not be liable to
change to non-toxic forms by heating or cooking the contaminated food due to other
safety conditions.
FOOD SAFETY
10. SCP
SINGLE CELL
PROTEIN
Single-cell protein refers to the crude, a refined or edible protein
extracted from pure microbial cultures, dead, or dried cell
biomass. They can be used as a protein supplement for both
humans or animals.
Microorganisms like algae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria have very
high protein content in their biomass. These microbes can be
grown using inexpensive substrates like agricultural waste viz.
Wood shavings, sawdust, corn cobs etc. And even human and
animal waste.
Also refer: biomass
The microorganisms utilize the carbon and nitrogen present in
these materials and convert them into high-quality proteins
which can be used as a supplement in both human and animal
feed. The single-cell proteins can be readily used as fodder for
achieving fattening of calves, pigs, in breeding fish and even
in animal husbandry – poultry and cattle farming.
Single cell protein (scp) offers an unconventional but plausible
solution to this problem of protein deficiency being faced by the
entire humanity.
11. WHAT ARE
PROBIOTICS?
i. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for you,
especially your digestive system. We usually think of these
as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of
bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called
"good" or "helpful" bacteria because they help keep your gut
healthy.
ii. You can find probiotics in supplements and some foods, like
yogurt. Doctors often suggest them to help with digestive
problems.
13. Pharmaceutical Microbiology deals with the study of microorganisms that is concerned within
the manufacture of prescribed drugs e.g. minimizing the quantity of microorganisms in an
exceedingly method setting, excluding microorganisms and microorganism by-products like
exotoxin and endotoxin from water and alternative beginning materials, and making certain
the finished pharmaceutical product is sterile
Medical microbiology is a branch of medicine dealing with the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of infectious as well as non-infectious diseases. Medical microbiologists deal with
clinical consultations on the investigation, principles of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of
infectious diseases; the scientific development, administrative and medical direction of a
clinical microbiology laboratory; the establishment and direction of infection control programs
across the continuum of care; communicable disease prevention and epidemiology and
related public health issues.
14. DRUGS AND
BIO PRODUCTS
DEVELOPMENT
The most important contribution of microbiology to the
pharmaceutical industry is the development of antibiotics. All
antibiotics were originally the products of microbial
metabolism, however the recent genetic manipulations have
enabled the production of more enhanced drugs. Vaccines
are also a very important contribution of microbiology
towards development of drugs. The production of vaccines
against bacterial diseases usually requires the growth of
large amounts of bacteria. Steroids can also be obtained
from microorganisms.
Apart from drugs and bio products development,
microbiology contributes towards quality control of a
pharmaceutical laboratory. Prevention of microbial
contamination of drugs, injectables, eye drops, nasal
solutions and inhalation products is undertaken following
pharmacopeial guidelines.
16. ASTRO
MICROBIOLOGY
Astro microbiology, or exo microbiology, is the study
of microorganisms in outer space. It stems from an
interdisciplinary approach, which incorporates
both microbiology and astrobiology. Astrobiology's efforts
are aimed at understanding the origins of life and the
search for life other than on Earth. Because
microorganisms are the most widespread form of life on
Earth, and are capable of colonising almost any
environment, scientists usually focus on microbial life in
the field of astrobiology. Moreover, small and simple cells
usually evolve first on a planet rather than
larger, multicellular organisms, and have an increased
likelihood of being transported from one planet to
another via the panspermia theory
17. CHLORELLA Chlorella is a type of algae that grows in fresh water. The whole
plant is used to make nutritional supplements and medicine.
How does it work?
Chlorella is a good source of protein, fats, carbohydrates, fiber,
chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. It may act as an antioxidant
and help to decrease cholesterol, but more research is still
needed
Chlorella has been considered to be used in the space because
of quite plenty of reasons. NASA is developing a way to make
the space exploration in humans easier. The primary purpose of
the algae is to provide oxygen, consume the carbon dioxide
exhaled by humans and convert the nitrogen-filled wastes.
18. SPIRULINA Spirulina is a blue-green algae. It is an easily produced, non-toxic
species of Arthrospira bacteria.
Spirulina is often used as a vegan source of protein and vitamin
B12. It is between 55-70% protein, but studies suggest it is a
subpar source of B12, as the vitamin is not absorbed well after
ingestion.
Back in the 1970s, it was discovered by NASA that Spirulina is
actually a safe and practical choice of food that can be carried all
the way to the space. The composition of Spirulina with all those
edible bacteria and micro-organisms, is what make Spirulina one
of the most concentrated foods available to mankind. The space
travellers, therefore, can travel light and also be reassured that
they are not compromising on food, both in terms of quality and
quantity
20. WHAT IS THE
ENVIRONMENTAL
MICROBIOLOGY ?
Environmental microbiology is the study of the composition and
physiology of microbial communities in the environment. The
environment in this case means the soil, water, air and sediments
covering the planet and can also include the animals and plants that
inhabit these areas
21. SEWAGE
TREATMENT
Important microbes in the sewage treatment plant
Nitrifying bacteria
– Aerobes
– Convert nitrogenous waste into nitrate
Denitrifying bacteria
– Anaerobes
– Convert nitrate to N2
Methanogens
– Generate methane from acetate
– Or use H2 and CO2 to make methane
– Mostly archaea
22. Microbiology of Wastewater Treatment
The focus of wastewater treatment plants is to reduce the BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) and
COD (chemical oxygen demand) in the effluent discharged to natural waters, meeting state and
federal discharge criteria. Wastewater treatment plants are designed to function as "microbiology
farms", where bacteria and other microorganisms are fed oxygen and organic waste. Wastewater is
teaming with microbes. Many of which are necessary for the degradation and stabilization of
organic matter and are beneficial. On the other hand, wastewater may also contain pathogenic or
potentially pathogenic microorganisms, which pose a threat to public health. Waterborne and
water-related diseases caused by pathogenic microbes are among the most serious threats to
public health today. Fecal pollution is one of the primary contributors to diarrhea.
It is needless to emphasize the importance of water in our life. Without water, there is no life on our
planet. We need water for different purposes. We need water for drinking, for industries, for
irrigation, for swimming and fishing, etc. Water for different purposes has its own requirements as
to composition and purity. Each body of water needs to be analysed on a regular basis to confirm to
suitability. The types of analysis could vary from simple field testing for a single analyte to
laboratory based multi-component instrumental analysis. The measurement of water quality is a
very exacting and time-consuming process, and a large number of quantitative analytical methods
are used for this Purpose.
23. MICROBIAL
BIODEGRADATION
Microbial biodegradation is the use
of bioremediation and biotransformation methods to harness the
naturally occurring ability of microbial xenobiotic metabolism to
degrade, transform or accumulate environmental pollutants,
including hydrocarbons (e.g. oil), polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heterocyclic
compounds (such as pyridine or quinoline), pharmaceutical
substances, radionuclides and metals.
Biological processes play a major role in the removal
of contaminants and take advantage of the catabolic versatility of
microorganisms to degrade or convert such compounds. In
environmental microbiology, genome-based global studies are
increasing the understanding of metabolic and regulatory networks,
as well as providing new information on the evolution of degradation
pathways and molecular adaptation strategies to changing
environmental conditions.
25. INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGY
Industrial microbiology is a branch of applied microbiology in
which microorganisms are used in industrial processes; for
example, in the production of high-value products such as drugs,
chemicals, fuels and electricity
In industrial microbiology, microorganisms are particularly
important to synthesize a number of products valuable to human
beings and have profoundly changed our lives and life spans.
These products include beverages, food additives, products for
human and animal health, and biofuels. In addition,
microorganisms have the ability to produce chemical compounds
that have not been synthesized in the laboratory or may be made
only with great difficulty. Moreover, some chemical products may
be made more cheaply by the action of microorganisms on
inexpensive carbohydrate materials than from other chemical
compounds.
26. MICROORGANISMS
PLAYS AN
IMPORTANT ROLE IN
ALCOHOL
Alcohol plays an important part in microbiology. Micro-organisms are,
for instance, essential in the production of alcoholic drinks. The
alcohol in beer and wine is a by-product of yeasts. The alcohol in
beer and wine is a by-product of yeasts. They break down glucose
(sugars) in the drink to get energy. The alcohol and carbon dioxide
(CO2) which are produced are waste products for the yeast, but
important ingredients for the drink. If the concentration of alcohol in
the beer gets too high, the yeasts themselves will be killed.
