Evaluation of four Candida utilis strains for biomass, acetic acid and ethyl acetate production from ethanol

Four Candida utilis strains were screened for biomass, acetic acid and ethyl acetate production from ethanol as sole carbon source. After 72 h at 30°C, analytical results obtained with 16 g l−1 and 32 g l−1 of initial ethanol concentration were compared. The strain L/375-1 was selected for its best yield of ethyl acetate from ethanol, while the strain L/375-5 was the best biomass producer. These two strains displayed ethanol consumption rates of 0.156 g l−1 h−1 and 0.179 g l−1 h−1 at 32 g l−1 initial ethanol concentration, respectively. Slight differences were observed in terms of ethanol consumption rate and product yield according to the initial ethanol concentration and the strains.