Fermentation Pilot Plant

The Fermentation Pilot Plant (FPP) is a specialized research facility within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan. Designed to support cutting-edge fermentation research, the FPP is equipped with advanced submerged fermentation bioreactor systems, solid state fermentation capacity, and comprehensive wet lab capabilities. The facility enables faculty, graduate students, and industry partners to perform high-precision microbial cultivation and process development for a wide range of applications, including biotechnology, food science, and health sciences.

The FPP is available for all colleges across campus as well as external industry collaborators under a recovery-service fee model.

The FPP supports a variety of scales and experimental designs for submerged or solid-state fermentation, with the ability to maintain sterile, stable, and controlled environments across all systems. The facility includes:

Three 15 L Computer-Controlled Bioreactors

• In situ sterilization
• Real-time monitoring and control of chemical and physical parameters
• Suitable for steady-state and fed-batch fermentation

Five 5 L Bioreactors

• Ideal for batch and small-scale optimization experiments

821 L (29 Cu. Ft) Solid State Fermenter / Environmental Chamber

• Temperature range: 0 – 60°C
• Humidity control
• Equipped with a light module

Facilities for Smaller Scale Fermentations

• Flexible equipment setup for early-stage trials or microbial screening

Full Wet Lab Facility

• Sample preparation
• Microbiological/analytical testing
• Media formulation and sterilization

The FPP is also supported by faculty and technical staff with expertise in microbial physiology, industrial biotechnology, and bioprocess engineering. 

The FPP is generally not accessible to users outside of the department or university without support from department personnel.

All new users are encouraged to consult with Dr. Darren Korber or designated FPP staff prior to project initiation to ensure compatibility with facility capabilities and accessibility.

(May 2025 – April 2026)

The FPP operates under a cost-recovery model. Usage fees are based on equipment time, support services (e.g., sterilization and cleaning), and the nature of the user (external/industrial vs. internal university research). Rates may be adjusted annually and are subject to change without prior notice.

External users (e.g., industry or non-university partners)

A typical 3-day (72-hour) private run using all three 15 L bioreactors is charged as follows:

Description	Cost
Facility use (preparation, sterilization, cleanup)	$1,000
Private use (all 3 bioreactors) - $500/day	$1,500
Continuous operation fee - $50/hour (72h)	$3,600
Total (3-day private run)	$6,100

Note: The $50/hour fee applies to all three 15 L bioreactors operating together (not per reactor).

 

Internal users

For research groups within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, rates are discounted at 50 per cent of the industrial rate:

Description	Cost
Facility use (preparation, sterilization, cleanup)	$500
Research use (all 3 bioreactors) - $250/day	$750
Continuous operation fee - $25/hour (72h)	$1,800
Total (3-day research run)	$3,050

Other USask colleges or collaborators should inquire about current academic rates.

For custom runs, long-term projects, or mixed-use setups (e.g., combining 5 L and 15 L bioreactors), a tailored estimate will be provided based on project scope and resource needs.

To inquire about availability or receive a formal quote, please contact:

Dr. Darren Korber
Head, Department of Food and Bioproduct Sciences
 darren.korber@usask.ca
306-966-7786