Automation of Solid-state Bioreactor for Oyster Mushroom Composting

ABSTRACT

This study focused on the production of high quality compost for the growth of aero-thermophilic fungi, which has a promoting effect on the growth rate and production of oyster mushrooms. The automated solid-state bioreactor system was designed on the basis of a Three-Phase-One system, which controls the serial steps of prewetting, pasteurization and fermentation processes. High numbers of thermophilic fungi and bacteria were recovered from the mushroom composts prepared by this solid-state bioreactor. The rates of composting process were depended on physical as well as chemical factors. Among these factors, the parameters of moisture content and temperature were found to be particularly important. In our automated system, constant levels of moisture content, temperature and ventilation via mixing were provided by a centralized control apparatus including PLC, water tank and water jacket systems. These features induced higher microbiological activity of aero-thermophiles.