The influence of M AILLARD 's reaction in sugar cane molasses on the kinetic fermentation parameters of Candida utilis NRRL Y‐660

Growth inhibition of Candida utilis NRRL Y‐660 took place in molasses stored at 60°C for 120 days. The specific growth rate (μmax) was reduced from 0.42 h−1 to 0.200 h−1 as a result of a lack of affinity from the microorganism to the substrate and the increasing maintenance necessities. The Ks values arose from 1.40 mg/ml to 4.28 mg/ml within the whole experiment. At the same time, the maintenance coefficient (m) increased from 0.250 to 3.80 mg/ml. In a continuous culture the “wash‐out” conditions were reached at dilution rate values (D) close to 0.40 h−1. The process productivity decreased up to 15% from its original value in fresh molasses.