Development of novel carrier using natural zeolite and continuous ethanol fermentation with immobilized Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a bioreactor

A natural zeolite, easily vitrified and blown at 1300 degreesC with a high porosity and diam. of 5-100 mum, was used to immobilize Saccharomyces cerevisiae at 3.6 x 10(8) cells ml(-1) carrier. When the abilities of natural zeolite carrier were compared with glass beads, the capacity for immobilization and alcohol fermentation activity were, respectively, 2'-fold higher and 1.2-fold higher than that of glass beads. Continuous alcohol fermentation was stable for over 21 d without breakage of the carrier.