THE INFLUENCE OF TEMPERATURE ON KINETICS IN SOLID-STATE FERMENTATION

In this paper correlations between temperature and kinetics of Trichod erma reesei QM9414 growing on wheat bran are described in terms of glu cosamine production, oxygen consumption, and carbon dioxide production . Maximum growth temperature (T-max) being approximately 314 K, is est imated by measuring the radial growth rate on wheat bran. The value is used in the description of the influence of temperature on the maximu m specific growth rate (mu(max)) and maximum glucosamine (G(max)) leve l. Both correlations are described with a Ratkowsky-type equation. The highest value of mu(max) and G(max) are found at approximately 307 K and were 0.154 h(-1) and 8.7 mg glucosamine g(-1) initial dir matter r espectively. A Gaussian curve is used to describe the influence of tem perature on yield factor which varies with a factor of 2 between 293 K and T-max. The maintenance coefficient is determined to be temperatur e independent. The observed decline in specific activity, measurable b elow and above T-max reflects the sensitivity of the fungus to elevate d temperatures. The decline rate increases exponentially above T-max. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.