Analysis of Tartaric Acid in Fermentation Broth

• Main Author: Leu, Lih-Jen
• Format: Others
• Published: TopSCHOLAR® 1979
• Subjects: Biology; Life Sciences
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/2525; https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3534&context=theses

Tartaric acid accumulation in fermentation broth of Gluconobacter suboxydans was investigated qualitatively with paper chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. Comparisons were made using six different solvent systems and four different chemical indicators commonly used in chromatography. Attempts were made to establish a routine method for quantitative analysis of tartaric acid. Spectrophotometry was used to detect possible metabolites resulting from glucose oxidation by G. suboxydans in different analytical separations. A combined method of ion-exchange column chromatography and paper chromatography followed by ammonium meta-vanadate spectrophotometric analysis differentiated 5-oxogluconic acid and tartaric acid and thus gave better quantitative results in the determination of tartaric acid from fermentation broths.