The utilization of methanol by Candidn hpolytiea was studied with respect to the biomass, protein, lipid and ot,her metabolites contents. Supplementation of t,he methanol medium with certain redox agents such as 2,6-dichlorophenol indophenol, reduced glutathione and methyl red, showed a stimulation of both growth and protein production of C. lipolytica. At certain growth conditions the ctllular yield of C. lipolytica was 0.3 g of cells/g of methanol and the protein of the biomass was 41.0%. The amino acid composition of the protein especially of the essential ones was comparable t o F A 0 standards. Thin-layer chromatography of the lipids indicated a dominance of total glycerides. Analyses of the acylatcd unsaponified fraction by gas liquid chromatography showed that campesterol was the major component.
Single cell protein (SCP) may be useful to prevent an anticipated world protein shortage. Methanol is one of the desirable carbon sources for the production of SCP since it is not only available a t a low costs and high purity but also miscible with water. Many yeasts which can utilize methanol have been isolated. Biomass production with such yeasts has been reported by ASTHANA et al. (1971), LEVINE and COONEY (1973), VAN DIJKEN et al. (1976), ELMAYERGI and COFFAR (1977) and LEE and KOMAGATA (1980).
This paper describes optimal conditions for production of useful metabolites by Caiadida lipolytica grown on methanol as a sole carbon and energy source.