Optimization of L-Arabinose and Single-Cell Protein Production from Corn Husks Hydrolysate

Glucose, xylose and L-arabinose were released from corn fiber by dilute acid hydrolysis. The ability of a Candida tropicalis strain to ferment glucose and xylose in corn fiber hydrolysates to produce single cell protein has been examined. The crystalline L-arabinose can be prepared from the fermentation supernatant. The L-arabinose retention rate and biomass protein production by the yeast grown on corn fiber hydrolysate were studied under various culture conditions. The optimal volume of the broth, inoculum size, temperature, initial pH and shaker speed for retention rate of L-arabinose and growth of the strain were 30ml broth in 250ml capacity flask, 4% (v/v), 26 degrees C, 4.0 and 180r/min, respectively. Retention rate of L-arabinose was increased by such conditions to 89.26% and cell dry mass to 13.9g/L, respectively. These values corresponded with high biomass protein and crystalline L-arabinose.