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Appl Environ Microbiol. 1981 May; 41(5): 1206-1213

Methanol Inhibition in Continuous Culture of Hansenula polymorpha

James R. Swartz and Charles L. Cooney

¹ Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

ABSTRACT

Growth inhibition of Hansenula polymorpha DL-1 by methanol, formaldehyde, formate, and formic acid was examined to determine the causes of unstable behavior observed during continuous cultures on methanol. The much greater inhibition of growth by formic acid than by formate and the effect of formic acid excretion and assimilation on pH helped to explain culture dynamics observed after transitory oxygen limitations. Oxygen limitation caused by temporary reduction of agitation in a continuous fermentation caused methanol to accumulate to inhibitory concentrations. Immediately after resumption of agitation, formic acid was produced and caused culture inhibition. To ensure the stability of H. polymorpha in continuous culture, it was therefore necessary to prevent transient methanol accumulation.

Present address: Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080.

Publication no. 4010 from the Department of Nutrition and Food Science.