Glycerol production from glucose in alkaline medium

Glycerol production from glucose using an osmophilic yeast Pichia farinosa (ATCC 20210) in an alkaline medium has been investigated in shake flasks. The amount, form and mode of sodium carbonate addition have been found to affect the yields of glycerol, ethanol and biomass. These effects are explained in terms of the critical parameters of pH and dissolved oxygen levels in the medium. Relatively high glycerol yields and concentrations coupled with rapid fermentations have been obtained.