Hydrocarbon fermentations: Oxidation mechanism and nonionic‐surfactant effects in a culture of Candida lipolytica

Oxidation rates of several alkane substrates by C. lipolytica ATCC 8661 grown on n‐dodecane were determined using a Warburg Respirometer. Substrates were emulsified using Span 20, Span 80, Tween 20, Tween 80, and Triton X‐100 surfactants and the effects of these surfactants on oxidation and growth were determined. The oxidation rates of a number of intermediates, including lauric acid and lauryl alcohol, were also assessed. Responses of dodecane‐grown C. lipolytica to select substrates were compared to the corresponding behavior with glucose‐grown yeast and with baker's yeast. The role of surfactants in hydrocarbon fermentations is discussed in the light of the present and previously published data.