Effect of temperature and pH on Candida blankii in chemostat culture

• Published in: World journal of microbiology & biotechnology 1992-01, Vol.8 (4), p.434-438
• Main Authors: Meyer, P.S, Du Preez, J.C, Kilian, S.G
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Biotechnology; Candida; carbohydrate metabolism; cell culture; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; growth rate; hemicellulose; hydrolysates; Methods. Procedures. Technologies; Microbial engineering. Fermentation and microbial culture technology; temperature
• ISSN: 0959-3993; 1573-0972
• DOI: 10.1007/BF01198761

The growth characteristics of Candida blankii as a function of temperature and pH in a simulated bagasse hemicellulose hydrolysate were determined in chemostat culture. The highest maximum specific growth rate of 0.44 h super(-1) was reached at 38 degree C and at pH 5.5, with a sharp decrease in growth rate on either side of this temperature. Growth occurred at 46 degree C but not at 48 degree C. The protein and cell yields varied little below 40 degree C and the respective values were 0.22 and 0.5 g/g at 38 degree C. At the lower pH values, a severe linear decrease in cell and protein yields occurred, whereas a small increase in these yields at decreasing pH values was found when acetic acid was omitted from the medium. In the presence of acetic acid, a very sharp decrease in the growth rate at pH values below pH 4.5 was noted, despite the very low residual acetic acid concentrations, of less than 50 mg/l, in the culture.