Screening for lipase-producing microorganisms with a continuous cultivation system

Summary The enrichment of lipase-producing bacteria, isolated from the environment, was evaluated using a continuous cultivation system. Continuous cultivations were performed using a synthetic medium where the carbon and energy source, triolein, was provided physically entrapped in an external loop. Using this system, pure cultivations of Pseudomonas fluorescens 378 showed an increase in lipase-producing ability, instead of declining as in more conventional systems. Enrichment cultures were obtained with environmental samples originating from a vegetable oil processing plant using the same system. Three types of lipase-producing bacteria were identified: P. alcaligenes, Enterobacter intermedium and a Gram-negative, oxidase-positive rod. Offprint requests to: E. Lie