Yield of Fumaric Acid from Different Carbohydrates by Stationary Surface Culture Method

Abstract

Studies on the yield of fumaric acid by Rhizopus arrhizus and Bhizopus nigricans using glucose, sucrose, xylose,cane molassess and bagasse hydrolysate either alone or in combination with glucose were undertaken. Thirty three and 26 per cently yield of fumaric acid were obtained from 12 and 10 per cent glucose media respectively, in 15 days at 33 degree calcius by stationary surface culture method. Higher yields of fumaric acid were obtained from glucose using R. arrhizus. Ability of this organism to produce fumaric acid from media containing (i) 50:50 glucose and deionized bagasse,hydrolysate (ii) deionized bagasse hydrolysate, and (iii) clarified cane molasses was investigated. A 7 per cent yield of fumaric acid was obtained from 50:50 glucose and deionized bagasse hydrolysate medium. In the case of xylose good growth of the fungus was obtained but no fumaric acid was produced. These studies have indicated that R. arrhizus is not able to utilize pentose sugars.