Microbial alchemy

• Screening: First, appropriate microorganisms are identified from the soil, water, air or sea. The technique usually comprises a series of tests, depending solely on the discretion of the researcher.

• Strain development: The term 'strains' refers to different sub-species of microorganisms. Once an appropriate strain is identified, it is then developed in the lab by a process called fermentation. The purpose is to facilitate emergence of various products. An extensive strain development process can increase the yield of an organism 100 times.

• Product recovery: This process, known as purification, is the most cost-intensive stage. It accounts for as much as 60 per cent of the total cost of the product. For example, vitamin B-12 exists in nature in crude form, but has no industrial application in this state. However, it has proved to be extremely useful in a purified form. Now its 'pure state' is patented.