The production of sorbitol by permeabilized and immobilized cells of Z. mobilis in sucrose

The production of sorbitol by permeabilized and immobilized cells of Zymomonas mobilis in Luffa cylindrica was investigated in sucrose medium. A full 2³ factorial design was used to verify the influence of each factor and its interactions. The cell permeabilization showed a significant and negative effect upon the production of sorbitol, while the time of cultivation and the immobilization process were significant and positive. The results demonstrated that the cell immobilization and the time of cultivation of 36 h presented higher production of sorbitol.