Production and Properties of 2,3-Butanediol: Xxii. The Effect of Aerobic Conditions on the Aerobacillus Fermentation

In the A. polymyxa fermentation, aerobic as compared to anaerobic conditions resulted in an increased yield of acetoin plus diol and a decreased yield of ethanol. As the fermentation proceeded under anaerobic conditions, there was a decrease in the proportion substrate being used in the formation of acetoin and diol. This decrease was accompanied by an increase in the formation of acetic acid. During fermentation under aerobic conditions, no decrease occurred in the formation of acetoin plus diol.