Kefir biomass production with enriched whey: Optimization of process parameters and investigation of fermentation kinetics

Kefir biomass increase and fermentation kinetics were also examined at different temperatures (17°C, 27°C and 37°C) and different initial kefir grain concentrations (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%) for selected cultivation mediums (whey and whey enriched with milk and yoghurt). Optimum temperature and initial grain concentration for kefir biomass increase were obtained as 27°C and 5% for all mediums examined. Modelling studies were performed to represent the kefir biomass growth and fermentation kinetics. The fitness of the kefir biomass growth to the Monod kinetics was also examined.