The influence of MAILLARD's reaction in sugar cane molasses on the kinetic fermentation parameters of Candida utilis NRRL Y-660

Growth inhibition of Candida utilis NRRL Y-660 took place in molasses stored at 60°C for 120 days. The specific growth rate (μ_max) was reduced from 0.42 h^?1 to 0.200 h^?1 as a result of a lack of affinity from the microorganism to the substrate and the increasing maintenance necessities. The K_s values arose from 1.40 mg/ml to 4.28 mg/ml within the whole experiment. At the same time, the maintenance coefficient (m) increased from 0.250 to 3.80 mg/ml. In a continuous culture the “wash-out” conditions were reached at dilution rate values (D) close to 0.40 h^?1. The process productivity decreased up to 15% from its original value in fresh molasses.