Succinic acid synthesis by ethanol-grown yeasts

The synthesis of succinic acid in ethanol-containing media has been tested in 32 yeasts of different genera (Debaryomyces, Candida, Pichia, Saccharomyces, Torulopsis). The capability of succinic acid synthesis was revealed in 29 strains, from which two most effective producers were selected. When grown in a fermentor under high aeration in mineral medium with pulsed addition of ethanol, the strain Candida catenulata VKM Y-5 produced succinic acid up to 5.2 g/L with mass yield of 32.6% and energy yield of 14.8%; the other strain, Candida zeylanoides VKM Y-2324, excreted 9.4 g/L of succinic acid with mass and energy yields of 39 and 17.8%, respectively. It was indicated that succinic acid formation in the yeasts was accompanied by the synthesis of considerable amounts of malic acid, which was apparently due to a high activity of the glyoxylate cycle. Growth characteristics of both strains were studied in dependence on the concentrations of ethanol, zinc ions and nitrogen in the medium. Key words: succinic acid, Candida catenulata, Candida zeylanoides, ethanol