Possibilities of Redox Potential Regulation in Submerged Citric Acid Bioprocessing on Beet Molasses Substrate
Marin Berovič1,2*, Marjana Rošelj2 and Mojmir Wondra3
1Department of Chemical, Biochemical and Ecology Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia
2National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Hajdrihova 19, SI-1115 Ljubljana, Slovenia
3Department of Food Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva 101, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Article history:
Received September 16, 1999
Accepted May 17, 2000
Key words:
redox potential regulation, citric acid, beet molasses substrate
Summary:
In submerged citric acid production by Aspergillus niger on beet molasses substrate it has been found that for high yielding particular levels of the redox potential are of essential importance. Two maxima (260 and 280 mV) and two minima (180 and 80 mV) have to be obtained. Regulation of redox potential by chemical and physical methods was studied. Bioprocessing could be significantly improved by appropriate redox potential regulation. Chemical methods comprising addition of oxidants and reductants did not block microbial growth, but evidently inhibited citric acid biosynthesis. The physical method of regulation, by variation of agitation and aeration, was found the most effective and appropriate for high yield in citric acid biosynthesis.
*Corresponding author:
++386 (0)1 1760 438
++386 (0)1 1259 244