An effective and simplified pH-stat control strategy for the industrial fermentation of vitamin B(12) by Pseudomonas denitrificans

Bioprocess Biosyst Eng. 2008 Oct;31(6):605-10. doi: 10.1007/s00449-008-0209-5. Epub 2008 Mar 5.

Abstract

In order to improve the productivity of vitamin B(12) by Pseudomonas denitrificans carried out in a 120-m(3) fermenter, the effect of pH on vitamin B(12) biosynthesis was investigated. Results obtained from shake flask experiments showed that the feeding of carbon source (beet molasses or glucose) and methyl-group donor (betaine or choline chloride) significantly influenced the pH and the biosynthesis of vitamin B(12). In contrast to beet molasses or choline chloride, using glucose as a feed medium and betaine as a methyl-group donor, pH could be maintained at a stable range. As a result, higher vitamin B(12) production was achieved. Accordingly, an effective and simplified pH-stat control strategy was established for the fermentation of vitamin B(12) in a 120-m(3) industrial fermenter. When the new pH control strategy was applied, pH was stably kept in the range of 7.15-7.30 during fermentation. Thus, 214.3 microg/mL of vitamin B(12) was achieved.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Betaine / chemistry
  • Chemistry Techniques, Analytical / methods
  • Choline / chemistry
  • Culture Media
  • Fermentation*
  • Glucose / chemistry
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Industrial Microbiology / methods*
  • Microbiological Techniques
  • Molasses
  • Oxygen / chemistry
  • Pseudomonas / metabolism*
  • Time Factors
  • Vitamin B 12 / chemistry*

Substances

  • Culture Media
  • Betaine
  • Glucose
  • Choline
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Oxygen