PRODUCTION OF GARLIC ACID BY IMMOBILIZATION OF RHIZOPUS-ORYZAE

Production of gallic acid using the immobilized cells of Rhizopus oryz ae has been studied. It was observed that 2% tannic acid concentration , 200 numbers of calcium alginate beads of spore concentration 2 x 10( 5)/ml and initial pH 5.0 gave the maximum gallic acid production. The % of tannin conversion was 78.5% whereas in free cell culture, the % c onversion was 83.5% in 4 days of incubation period. The beads were use d for 3 times successfully. A drastic fall in the hydrolysis process w as observed when the beads were treated with glutaraldehyde.