Production of L-malate from fumarate by the yeast Dipodascus magnusii

An alternative microbiological method for the production of malate from fum arate is presented. The yeast Dipodascus magnusii was used for this bioconv ersion. The optimum cell growth temperature was 28 degrees C and the workin g volume 120 ml. The highest level of fumarase activity during bioconversio n was achieved at a pH of 7.5 and a temperature of 37 degrees C. These conditions were determined as optimal. Using sodium fumarate (1 M), t he maximum specific productivity of malic acid obtained was 1.72 g/(g(DCW) x h) for intact cells. In the case of ammonium fumarate, it was 2.25 g/(g(D CW) x h).