Production of xylitol from xylose in batch fermentations of
Candida mogii ATCC 18364 is discussed in the presence of glucose as the cosubstrate. Various initial ratios of glucose and xylose concentrations
are assessed for their impact on yield and rate of production of xylitol. Supplementation with glucose at the beginning of
the fermentation increased the specific growth rate, biomass yield and volumetric productivity of xylitol compared with fermentation
that used xylose as the sole carbon source. A mathematical model is developed for eventual use in predicting the product formation
rate and yield. The model parameters were estimated from experimental observations, using a genetic algorithm. Batch fermentations,
which were carried out with xylose alone and a mixture of xylose and glucose, were used to validate the model. The model fitted
well with the experimental data of cell growth, substrate consumption and xylitol production.
Keywords Xylitol - Xylose - Mathematical model - Two-substrate fermentation -
Candida mogii