SOY-BASED MEDIUM FOR ETHANOL-PRODUCTION BY ESCHERICHIA-COLI KO11

An optimized soy-based medium was developed for ethanol production by Escherichia coli KO11. The medium consists of mineral salts, vitamins, crude enzymatic hydrolysate of soy and fermentable sugar. Ethanol pro duced after 24 h was used as an endpoint in bioassays to optimize hydr olysate preparation. Although longer fermentation times were required with soy medium than with LB medium, similar final ethanol concentrati ons were achieved (44-45 g ethanol L(-1) from 100 g glucose L(-1)). Th e cost of materials for soy medium (excluding sugar) was estimated to be $0.003 L(-1) broth, $0.06 L(-1) ethanol.