Filamentous microorganisms are used as molecular factories in industrial biotechnology.
In 2007, a new approach to improve productivity in submerged cultivation was introduced: microparticle-enhanced cultivation (MPEC).
This review links morphological, physical, and chemical properties of microparticles with effects on culture broth, filamentous morphology, and molecular biology.
More precisely, surface chemistry effects of metal oxide particles lead to ion leaching, adsorption of enzymes, and generation of reactive oxygen species.
Therefore, microparticles interfere with gene regulation, metabolism, and activity of enzymes.
To enhance the understanding of microparticle-based morphology engineering, further interactions between particles and cells are elaborated.