TRAPPING OF GAMMA-DECALACTONE BY ADSORPTION ON HYDROPHOBIC SORBENTS -APPLICATION TO THE BIOCONVERSION OF METHYL RICINOLEATE BY THE YEAST SPORIDIOBOLUS SALMONICOLOR

Trapping by adsorption on hydrophobic porous polymers was used to sele ctively remove gamma-decalactone from the complex bioconversion medium . Several sorbents were tested : activated carbon, and three porous po lystyrene-type polymers (Porapak Q, Chromosorb 105, and Resin SM4). Th e sorption isotherms were determined in water and in a model bioconver sion medium without microorganisms. In the last part of the study, the application to the production of gamma-decalactone by Sporidiobolus s almonicolor was carried out. Hydrophobic porous adsorbents are compati ble with the bioconversion and protect the yeast from the toxic effect of gamma-decalactone.