Back to simulations

Fermentation: Optimize bio-ethanol production | Virtual Lab

Higher Education
Health Sciences
Biology
Fermentation: Optimize bio-ethanol production
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

About This Simulation

Learn how to optimize alcohol production in a fermentor. Will you be able to create the ideal conditions for the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to produce bioethanol?

Learning Objectives

  • Simulate yeast batch fermentation
  • Outline the principles of fermentation and its applications
  • Summarize the principal components of a fermentor and their function
  • Experiment with the effect of temperature, pH, gas, and agitation on fermentation
  • Analyze growth curves qualitatively to identify optimal growth parameters

About This Simulation

Level:
Higher Education
Length:
35
Min
Accessibility Mode:
Available
Languages:
English
German
Spanish
French

Lab Techniques

  • Aseptic Technique
  • Bioreactor or fermentor
No lab techniques are listed for this simulation.

Related Standards

University:
NGSS:
  • No direct alignment
AP:
  • No direct alignment
LB:
  • B.1 Microbiology: organisms in industry
No related standards are listed for this simulation.

Learn More About This Simulation

This simulation has been adapted from the original, longer “Fermentation” simulation.

You will experiment with the growth conditions of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in order to produce as much bio-ethanol as quickly as possible. The production of ethanol through fermentation by the yeast is widely used to produce alcoholic drinks such as beer and wine. It can also be harnessed to sustainably produce bio-ethanol that could be used as fuel.

Setting up your experiment

Your mission will be to optimize bio-ethanol production on a pilot scale. After setting up the bench-top fermentor or bioreactor, you will add a yeast inoculum and run a fermentation experiment. Dr. One will guide you through the first experiment, including how to work aseptically and the first set of culture conditions. Once you are familiar with the equipment you can experiment freely with the fermentor.

Pilot scale fermentation

Because you are working in the virtual lab, you will be able to gather data very quickly. This allows you to test many different growth parameters and see the effects of different combinations of temperature, gas composition, level of stirring, and pH in a matter of minutes.

Qualitative data analysis

Once you have performed a number of fermentation experiments, you will compare the results. Dr. One will guide you through qualitative analysis of key parameters of the fermentation process. Can you decide together which culture conditions should be used tor optimal bio-ethanol production on an industrial scale.

RELATED SIMULATIONS

Fermentation

Aseptic Technique

Experience Labster for Yourself

Boost Learning with Fun

75% of students show high engagement and improved grades with Labster

Discover Simulations That Match Your Syllabus

Easily bolster your learning objectives with relevant, interactive content

Place Students in the Shoes of Real Scientists

Practice a lab procedure or visualize theory through narrative-driven scenarios

a group of people standing around a laptop computer

For Science Programs Providing a Learning Advantage

Professor Margaret Brady was able to enhance student learning with A&P virtual labs.
Margaret Brady
Associate Professor
North Dakota State College of Science

“They did the simulation at home, then completed the in-person lab within 30 minutes, no questions asked, and passed the quiz with flying colors.”

Lewis Mattin
PhD
Lecturer in Human Physiology
University of Westminster

"I saw some of the students who clearly didn’t necessarily like sitting there reading a book discover they could turn on Labster and keep up with the rest of the class because it spoke to them.

Melody McGill
Curriculum Coordinator
Modesto City Schools

"Having something that's engaging for the students gives teachers that opportunity to breathe and get excited again. Because they're seeing the kids light up, they're seeing the kids engage with content."

user
Kyle Hammon
Adjunct Instructor
Wenatchee Valley College

"The question always is, ‘Can we demonstrate that the students are meeting course outcomes?’ Check! We can do that.”

Dr. Melody Esfandiari
Chemistry Lecturer
San José State University

"We surveyed over 400 students. More than 90% thought Labster was easy to navigate, and that it was fun, but more importantly, most of them felt confident that they could execute the labs in person. And that confidence is a big deal."

a man in a black sweater and white shirt
Dr. Stuart Goodall
Lecturer
Northumbria University

“The Labster simulations get students to do things, and they're not just sitting there consuming a webinar where their mind can drift. They become an active participant in that learning experience.”

UCL logo with bold black 'UCL' letters.
02_logo-of-case-western-reserve-university
Logo of the University of Texas at Arlington, featuring a bold orange 'A' with a blue outline and a white star in the middle, symbolizing Texas.
University of Alabama logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
Virginia's Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
University Imperial logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
UTSA logo
University of North Charlotte logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Washington logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
ETH Zurich logo featuring a sleek and modern design with the university name.
SUNY logo
University of Florida logo featuring a bold emblem with the university name.
University of Stevens logo featuring a stylized emblem with the university name.
University of Kansas logo featuring a classic emblem with the university name.
Florida State University logo featuring a traditional emblem with the university name.
16_logo-of-university-of-tennessee
17_logo-of-university-of-tulane-university
University of California Community Colleges logo featuring a recognizable emblem with the institution's name.
Johns Hopkins logo
University of Skovde logo

FAQs

Find answers to frequently asked questions.

Heading 1

Heading 2

Heading 3

Heading 4

Heading 5
Heading 6

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

Block quote

Ordered list

  1. Item 1
  2. Item 2
  3. Item 3

Unordered list

  • Item A
  • Item B
  • Item C

Text link

Bold text

Emphasis

Superscript

Subscript

How do students access Labster?

Labster can be integrated within a school's LMS (Learning Management System), and students can access it like any other assignment in their LMS. If your Institution does not choose an LMS integration, students will log in to Labster's Course Manager once they have an account created. Your institution will decide the access method during the sales process.

How is Labster purchased?

Labster is only available for purchase by faculty and administration at academic institutions. To procure Labster, simply reach out to us on our website. Schedule a demo, book a meeting to discuss pricing, start a free trial, or simply fill out our contact form.

How is Labster different from other learning solutions?

Labster simulations are created by real scientists and designed with unparalleled interactivity. Unlike point and click competitors, Labster simulations immerse students and encourage mastery through active learning.

What types of courses does Labster support?

Labster supports a wide range of courses at the high school and university level across fields in biology, chemistry and physics. Some simulations mimic lab procedures with high fidelity to train foundational skills, while others are meant to bring theory to life through interactive scenarios.