Optimization study for sorbitol production by Zymomonas mobilis in sugar cane molasses

Sorbitol production by Zymomonas mobilis in sugar cane molasses was investigated by batch fermentation. The effects of the mean sugar concentration, temperature, agitation, and culture time were studied simultaneously by factorial analysis. Maximum sorbitol production was determined using a second-order central composite design and analyzed by the superficial response method. Response-surface methodology analysis showed that the best conditions for sorbitol production were 300 g/l total reducing sugars (TRS) in the culture medium, 36 h at 35 °C fermentation time.