Effect of aeration and agitation rates on the microbial lipid and citric acid production of Yarrowia lipolytica K57 strain

Yarrowia lipolytica is an oleaginous yeast which can produce microbial lipid with more than 20% oil in its dry biomass. Y. lipolytica is also used for the production of citric acid. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Y. lipolytica K57 strain for microbial lipid and citric acid production. Y. lipolytica K57 strain was used for microbial lipid and citric acid production by batch fermentation method which was carried out in two different agitations and aeration rates of 350-800 rpm, 1,0-0,5 vvm respectively at 28°C on bioreactor (Papanikalou et al, 2002). The maximum citric acid production was obtained by agitation rates of 800 rpm and aeration of 0,5 vvm. The highest citric acid of 34 g/l and 0, 28 g/l of lipid were produced in these conditions. Yields of citric acid and lipid were found 0,66 g/g (g citric acid per g glucose consumed) and 0,064g/g (g lipid per g dry cell weight) respectively. 0,20 g/l/h of maximum production rate and 0,46 g/l/h of glucose consumption rate were estimated. 350 rpm and 1,0 vvm conditions of bioreactor was not suitable for high amount of citric acid and lipid productions.