Acid Hydrolysis of Pectin for Cell Growth of Cupriavidus necator

The effect of acid concentration (1-7%, v/v) and temperature (70-100C) on the pectin hydrolysis was studied using pectin at 1% (w/v) for 4 h hydrolysis. Experiments were arranged according to a central composite statistical design and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to assess factor interactions and empirical models on response variable (reducing groups concentration - RGC). The highest RGC (6.5 g L-1) was achieved at 100C and 1% (v/v) H2SO4. Kinetics of RGC release was also performed and hydrolysate was used as carbon source for cell growth of Cupriavidus necator. The maximum specific growth rate and the substrate-to-cell conversion factor were 0.26 h-1 and 0.55 g g-1, respectively an indicative of that pectin hydrolysate is a potential substrate for cell growth of this microorganism.