Ethanol production by zymomonas mobilis: Effect of temperature on cell growth,ethanol production and intracellular ethanol accumulation

Summary The kinetic behaviour of Zymomonas mobilis is studied at temperatures from 27 °C to 34.5 °C. Increases of temperature (above a critical value) have a negative effect on the yield of ethanol, mainly by raising the maintenance coefficient. Cell growth is less inhibited by the ethanol accumulation inside the cell than is the fermentative pathway. The specific rate of ethanol production is depressed when the intracellular ethanol concentration is maximal. An increase of temperature enhances this phenomenon.