Oxygen transfer strategy modulates the productions of lipase and esterase enzymes by Candida rugosa

Different oxygen transfer strategies were employed in a batch bioreactor system to compare the activities, productivities and yields of lipase and esterase enzymes by Candida rugosa as well as the biomass accumulation. The fermentation starting with full oxygen saturation and continuing with the level of 30% saturation provided the highest lipase activity whereas continuing with the level of 60% provided the highest esterase activity. Low biomass yield was obtained when the fermentation was conducted at the level of full oxygen saturation. Time courses of the extracellular and intracellular enzyme activities indicated that lipase activity was growth-associated and the cells secreted esterase into the medium after a considerable level of extracellular lipase activity was reached at all oxygen transfer strategies considered.