I. A. Veliky

Decolorization of a kraft mill effluent with fungal mycelium immobilized in calcium alginate gel

A white-rot fungus Coriolus versicolor was immobilized by entrapment in calcium alginate beads. Treatment of a kraft mill effluent with the immobilized fungus in the presence of sucrose resulted in 80% loss of color of the effluent within 3 days. The minimal concentration of sucrose required for the decolorization was 10 mM. Other carbon sources (xylose, glucose, glycerol, and ethanol) could also be used.

The production of ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized in polycation-stabilized calcium alginate gels

SummaryPolycation treatment of preformed calcium alginate beads produced a matrix with higher resistance to phosphate ions. The treatment of immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the calcium alginate beads inhibited respiration of the entrapped cells but did not reduce ethanol production.

Enhanced rate of ethanol production from D-xylose using recycled or immobilized cells ofPachysolen tannophilus

SummaryEnhanced rates of ethanol production byPachysolen tannophilus from D-xylose were obtained by performing the fermentation with recycled cells in suspension culture or immobilized in a Ca-alginate gel. Fermentation under these conditions did not require aeration. Increasing temperature from 30 to 37°C enhanced the amount of ethanol produced in 24 hours from the recycled or the immobilized cells.

Solid carriers for a Clostridium acetobutylicum that produces acetone and butanol

Abstract Several high strength solids have been tested as carriers for acetone-butanol production by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824. In batch fermentation, coke, kaolinite and Gel White ( a montmorillonite clay ) appeared to have a beneficial effect on this fermentation, although the effectiveness appeared to be dependent on the medium used. One of the least expensive materials, coke, was found to be suitable for use in continuous culture. Steady state conditions could be maintained for more than 30 days with total solvent production, productivity and yield of 12 g/l, 1.12 g l −1 h −1 and 0.3 g TS/g glucose used, respectively .

Bioconversion of gitoxigenin by immobilized plant cells in a column bioreactor

SummaryDaucuscarota cells immobilized in a Ca-alginate performed the bioconversion of gitoxigenin to 5β-hydroxygitoxigenin in a column bioreactor. The smooth spherical shape of the alginate beads was preserved for more than three weeks. The bioreactor was functional for more than thirty days as detected by the bioconversion activity. The rate of bioconversion was influenced by means of aeration.

Examination of parameters affecting the 5β-hydroxylation of digitoxigenin by immobilised cells of Daucus carota

SummaryCells of a Daucus carota suspension culture were entrapped in a matrix of calcium alginate. The immobilised cells, incubated in a buffer mixture of sucrose, nitrate, KCl, CaCl2, 2-(N-morpholino)-ethane sulphonic acid at pH 5.5, hydroxylated digitoxigenin. When compared under the same incubation conditions, freely suspended cells biotransformed digitoxigenin at a faster rate. Periplogenin formation was maximal at pH 5.3 and temperatures of 26°–34°C. The hydroxylase activity of the entrapped cells adapted to the presence of 20 mM CaCl2 over a 12 day incubation. The diffusion barrier established on entrapment of the cells could not be overcome by addition of detergents or methanol. Controlled addition of chloroform (at 1/4 and 1/2 saturation) did stimulate hydroxylation of digitoxigenin without adversely affecting cell viability. The rate of hydroxylation of digitoxigenin was linear over an immobilised cell concentration of 0–7 mg dry weight and a digitoxigenin concentration of 0–20 mg/L. Five consecutive batch bioconversions at a rate greater than 60% could be achieved before the biocatalyst was inactivated. The results are discussed in relation to improving the hydroxylation reaction by immobilised D. carota and other reactions performed by immobilised plant cells.

Synthesis of carboline alkaloids by plant cell cultures

Abstract A cell suspension culture of Phaseolus vulgaris possesses a biosynthetic potential for transforming tryptophan into alkaloids harman and norharman.

Production of acetone-butanol from acid whey

SummaryClostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was used to produce butanol and acetone by fermenting acid whey. Results showed that both autoclaving and agitation played roles in solvent production. Maximum production was obtained in 120 h using autoclaved, pH adjusted (6.0) acid whey at 37 °C in a fermentor that was not agitated.

5β-hydroxygitoxigenin, a product of gitoxigenin produced by Daucus carota culture

Abstract The product of gitoxigenin transformation by Daucus carota Ca68 cell suspension culture has been isolated from culture filtrates and identified as 5β-hydroxygitoxigenin. A summary of the physico-chemical data for this novel compound is reported for the first time.

Organic and inorganic nitrogen source effects on the metabolism of Clostridium acetobytulicum

SummaryThe effects of organic and inorganic nitrogen combinations on cell growth, solvent production and nitrogen utilization by Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824 was studied in batch fermentations. Fermentations in media with 10 mM glutamic acid, as the organic nitrogen source, and 0 mM to 10 mM ammonium chloride, as the inorganic nitrogen source had a solvent yield of 0.8 to 1.08 mmol solvent/mmol glucose used, with a slow fermentation rate (2 mmol solvent/l h-1). When media contained 20 mM or 30 mM glutamic acid as well as 2.5 to 7.5 mM ammonium chloride the fermentation rate increased (5.5 mmol/l h-1) while the solvent yield remained constant (0.86 to 0.96 mmol solvent/mmol glucose used). Total solvent production was higher in media containing 20 mM or 30 mM glutamic acid than with 10 mM glutamic acid.