Growth of Candida utilis on ethanol and isopropanol

Abstract

Candida utilis grew on ethanol and an ethanol-isopropanol-water (22:2:1 vols) mixture but not on isopropanol alone. Acetone accumulated in all cultures containing isopropranol but its presence in the alcohol mixture did not lower growth rate or yield significantly when compared with growth experiments on ethanol alone. Growth rate and yield declined at ethanol concentrations greater than 1% (v/v) and 0.3% (v/v) respectively. In a 0.3% (v/v) alcohol mixture, acetate was found only during the exponential growth phase. In a 3% (v/v) mixture, acetate and ethyl acetate accumulated during growth whereas acetaldehyde was present only during the exponential growth phase.