PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF 2,3-BUTANEDIOL: XXXVII. A STUDY OF FACTORS AFFECTING THE BACILLUS SUBTILIS FERMENTATION

The optimum temperature for fermentation of seven strains of the Ford type of Bacillus subtilis is close to 45 °C. At these higher temperatures 10% glucose or equivalent hydrolyzed molasses ferments completely in six days while 10% fructose takes only three days. The rate of fermentation is similar under aerobic or anaerobic conditions but agitation or shallow layers of media increase this rate. The yields of 2,3-butanediol, acetoin, glycerol, and lactic acid are high under anaerobic conditions but in the presence of oxygen the yield of glycerol and lactic acid is decreased. The organism demonstrates strong oxidative tendencies and can give a large yield of acetoin. Other factors affecting the fermentation are also assessed.