STUDIES ON L-GLUTAMIC ACID FERMENTAION

XIII. EFFECT OF SURFACE ACTIVE AGENTS ON THE CONVERSION OF CITRATE TO L-GLUTAMATE WITH THE RESTING CELLS OF MICROCOCCUS GLUTAMICUS

Abstract

The effect of surface active agents on the cell permeability of Micrococcus glutamicus for citrate was investigated. A marked effect of cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) on the cell permeability was found. By the addition of 100μg of CTAB per 1mg of the dry cells, citrate could be converted theoretically to L-glutamate with the resting cells of M. glutamicus. Such a promoting action of surface active agents on cell permeability was almost proportional to its growth inhibitory activity. Similar effect was also observed in Proteus vulgaris, Torula utilis, baker's yeast as in M. glutamicus. Moreover, it was observed that corn steep liquor in the growing medium showed the strong inhibitory action on the elimination of cell wall barrier by the surface active agents. It may be probable to consider that some unknown factor(s) influencing the formation of the cell wall barrier is present in corn steep liquor.