Pellet formation of zygomycetes and immobilization of yeast

• The factors influencing pelletization of zygomycetes were investigated.
• Temperature, pH, Ca2+, agitation, and solid particles had an effect.
• A simple defined medium was developed for pelletization of zygomycetes.
• Yeast was successfully immobilized in zygomycetes pellets forming biocapsules.
• No adverse effects were detected on either microorganism in the biocapsules.

Pelleted growth provides many advantages for filamentous fungi, including decreased broth viscosity, improved aeration, stirring, and heat transfer. Thus, the factors influencing the probability of pellet formation of Rhizopus sp. in a defined medium was investigated using a multifactorial experimental design. Temperature, agitation intensity, Ca2+-concentration, pH, and solid cellulose particles, each had a significant effect on pelletization. Tween 80, spore concentration, and liquid volume were not found to have a significant effect. All of the effects were additive; no interactions were significant. The results were used to create a simple defined medium inducing pelletization, which was used for immobilization of a flocculating strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the zygomycetes pellets. A flor-forming S. cerevisiae strain was also immobilized, while a non-flocculating strain colonized the pellets but was not immobilized. No adverse effects were detected as a result of the close proximity between the filamentous fungus and the yeast, which potentially allows for co-fermentation with S. cerevisiae immobilized in pellets of zygomycetes.