Utilization of methanol by yeasts

ABSTRACT

Four yeast species [Pichia pastoris, Pichia Pinus, Candida boidinii and Hansenula potymorpha] were rows at different concentration of methanol as a sole source of carbon in shake flasks. It was found that the specific growth rate and yield factor varied greatly among the tested strains depending on the methanol concentration. Pichia pastoris CBS 704 was found to be the most efficient strain in the utilization of methanol. Concentrations of methanol greater than 1.5 to 2.0%, retarded growth of Candida boidinii and Pichia pinus. The variation in C/N ratio did not lead to any effect on the methanol consumption rate or on the concentration of formaldhyde in the culture