Enhancement of the conversion of toluene by Pseudomonas putida F-1 using organic cosolvents

Pseudomonas putida F-1 (ATCC 700007) was used as a model organism in stirre d tank reactors to study conversion enhancement of poorly soluble substrate s by organic cosolvents. After a literature study, silicone oil was used as a solvent system to enhance the mass transfer rate. To study the benefits of the organic solvent addition, batch experiments were conducted in two si de-hv-side fermentation vessels (experimental and control) at three differe nt levels of silicone oil (10, 30, and 50%). Results showed that the presen ce of silicone oil resulted in a 100% increase in the toluene mass transfer compared to the control. Experiments in continuous stirred-tank reactors s howed that improved conversion could be obtained at higher agitation rates.