Kinetics of substrate consumption and product formation in closed acetic fermentation systems

Abstract

This paper proposes a kinetic model for substrate consumption and product formation, in low alcohol media, of Acetobacter aceti in submerged culture. The model considers ethanol consumption for growth of biomass and formation of secondary products by a chemical route. Experimental data were obtained in the laboratory using a variety of discontinuous fermentation apparatus with automatic control, and either open or closed gas recirculation systems. Operating conditions applied were those typical of acetic fermentation process in the food industry. The fit of equations to the experimental data gives high theoretical-experimental determination coefficients.