EFFECT OF NUTRIENT SOURCES ON GROWTH AND ACETATE PRODUCTION BY CLOSTRIDIUM-THERMOACETICUM

The economic viability of producing acetate from dextrose by Clostridi um thermoaceticum is dependent on using low cost nutrients in the medi um. Under conditions of nutrient depletion or high dextrose concentrat ion, the cells decreased in numbers, reduced their rate of acetate pro duction, and also produced a by-product (fructose). The best alternate nutrients were defatted soy flour with limited protein hydrolysis, co rn steep liquor, and ethanol stillage. They gave comparable results to Bacto yeast extract from Difco but at a substantially low er cost.