Formation of Glutaric and Adipic Acids from n-Alkanes with Odd and Even Numbers of Carbons by Candida tropicalis OH23

Abstract

Many strains of yeast which can utilize n-alkanes as the sole source of carbon were isolated from flowers and fruits. Among them, a strain, OH23, identified as Candida tropicalis, formed acidic substances from n-alkanes. The principal products from n-alkanes with odd and even numbers of carbons were identified as glutaric and adipic acids, re-spectively. The culture conditions for their formation were investigated. n-Pentadecane and n-hexadecane were the best substrates for the formation of glutaric and adipic acids, respectively. Yields of 170mg of glutaric and 64mg of adipic acid were obtained from 100ml of media containing 4% (v/v) n-pentadecane and n-hexadecane, respectively, and 0.5% casamino acids.