Regeneration of NADH in a bioreactor using yeast cells immobilized in alginate fiber: I. Method and effect of reactor variables

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells immobilized in a calcium alginate fiber reactor were used as a source of alcohol dehydrogenase for the NAD(+)-to-NADH reaction. The reaction was catalyzed by enzyme in cells on the surface of the fiber. Internal diffusional effects were present. The enzyme cell concentration was optimized by harvesting cells finally grown under anaerobic conditions. The results were expressed as an apparent reaction rate constant that was independent of NAD(+) and excess ethanol concentration, was slightly affected by flow rate above a minimum value, and increased with immobilized cell concentration in the fiber. The reaction was complete after 6 to 7 h under optimal conditions of 36 degrees C and 9.5 pH. The latter was 0.5 pH units above the free enzyme optimum, indicating that microenvironmental effects were in evidence.