ABSTRACT
Various materials have been proposed as carriers for cell immobilization in wine, beer, cider, distillates, and ethanol production in various process designs and bioreactor configurations. Carriers include organic and inorganic natural or synthesized products as well as waste materials. Cell immobilization on a solid carrier can be done by physical adsorption due to electrostatic forces or by covalent binding between the cell membrane and the carrier. Cellulosic materials are very popular as immobilization carriers for alcoholic beverage production due to their food-grade purity, low cost, and availability all year round. Cell immobilization on a solid carrier can be done by physical adsorption due to electrostatic forces or by covalent binding between the cell membrane and the carrier. Immobilization can also be done by growth of the cells into natural cavities on a surface and therefore, containment of the cells due to entrapment and/or a combination with electrostatic and other weak forces.
