earticle

영어

Erythritol is a four-carbon sugar alcohol with a low calorific value and non-cariogenicity. Erythritol is a new functional sweetener which can be used as sugar alternative. Erytheitol dose not cause discomfort such as diarrhoea and flatulence upon ingestion. The purpose of this study is to develope a novel process of erythritol economically in a large scale. To obtain a high erythritol producer, we have screened 3500 colonies from molasses, honey and honey combs. We have selected 40 erythritol-producing microorganisms, one of which yields 140g/L erythritol in 40% glucose medium. We have tested this strain in 5L fermentor to examine the fermentation characteristics. Results of fermentation show that the erythritol production was about 1.4g/Lhr in 400g/L glucose media with a 42% conversion. Further improvements require mutation for a higher producer, process optimization to reduce glycerol, and suppression of excessive foaming.