Production of biomass and beta-D-galactosidase by Candida pseudotropicalis grown in continuous culture on whey

Novel products and new technologies for use of a familiar carbohydrate, milk lactose

The cheese industry produces large amounts of lactose in the form of cheese whey and whey permeate, generating approximately 27 million tonnes/yr in the US alone. Many uses have been found for whey and lactose, including uses in infant formula; bakery, dairy, and confectionery products; animal feed; and feedstocks for lactose derivatives and several industrial fermentations. Lactose use in food products, however, is somewhat limited because of its low solubility and indigestibility in many individuals. For this reason, lactose is often hydrolyzed before use. Still, demand is insufficient to use all available whey lactose. The result is a low market value for lactose; almost half of the whey produced each year remains unused and is a significant waste disposal problem. Several approaches are possible for transforming lactose into value-added products. For example, galactooligosaccharides can be produce through enzymatic treatments of lactose and may be used as a probiotic food ingredient. Organic acids or xanthan gum may be produced via whey fermentation, and the fermented whey product can be used as a food ingredient with special functionality. This paper reviews the physical characteristics, production techniques, and current uses of lactose, whey, and lactose derivatives. Also examined are novel fermentation and separation technologies developed in our laboratory for the production of lactate, propionate, acetate, and xanthan gum from whey.

Physiology of yeasts in relation to biomass yields

The stoichiometric limit to the biomass yield (maximal assimilation of the carbon source) is determined by the amount of CO2 lost in anabolism and the amount of carbon source required for generation of NADPH. This stoichiometric limit may be reached when yeasts utilize formate as an additional energy source. Factors affecting the biomass yield on single substrates are discussed under the following headings: Energy requirement for biomass formation (YATP). YATP depends strongly on the nature of the carbon source. Cell composition. The macroscopic composition of the biomass, and in particular the protein content, has a considerable effect on the ATP requirement for biomass formation. Hence, determination of for instance the protein content of biomass is relevant in studies on bioenergetics. Transport of the carbon source. Active (i.e. energy-requiring) transport, which occurs for a number of sugars and polyols, may contribute significantly to the calculated theoretical ATP requirement for biomass formation. P/O-ratio. The efficiency of mitochondrial energy generation has a strong effect on the cell yield. The P/O-ratio is determined to a major extent by the number of proton-translocating sites in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Maintenance and environmental factors. Factors such as osmotic stress, heavy metals, oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures, temperature and pH affect the yield of yeasts. Various mechanisms may be involved, often affecting the maintenance energy requirement. Metabolites such as ethanol and weak acids. Ethanol increases the permeability of the plasma membrane, whereas weak acids can act as proton conductors. Energy content of the growth substrate. It has often been attempted in the literature to predict the biomass yield by correlating the energy content of the carbon source (represented by the degree of reduction) to the biomass yield or the percentage assimilation of the carbon source. An analysis of biomass yields of Candida utilis on a large number of carbon sources indicates that the biomass yield is mainly determined by the biochemical pathways leading to biomass formation, rather than by the energy content of the substrate.

Continuous cultivation of microorganisms

This review presents selected studies on continuous cultivation including the genetics and selection of microorganisms, production of biomass, liquid fuels and other products, published in 1982-1984 and bearing a relationship to biotechnology.