Fermentation of n-Paraffins by Yeast

Part I. Fermentative Production of α-Ketoglutaric Acid by Candida lipolytica

Abstract

Screening test for obtaining microorganisms which produce L-amino acids and organic acids from n-paraffins were carried out.
It was found that fourteen strains of microorganisms which seemed to belong to yeast showed strong ability to produce α-KGA.
A representative strain of these microorganisms was identified taxonomically as Candida lipolytica (AJ 5004).
Investigations for obtaining optimal conditions for production of α-KGA using Candida lipolytica AJ 5004, were carried out and the results were as follows:
1) Organic nitrogen compounds, such as polypeptone, yeast extract, meat extract and corn steep liquor increase the yeast growth.