Effect of electric current on growth and alcohol production by yeast cells

Abstract

The effects of electric current on the fermentation characteristics of yeast were investigated. When 10 mA direct current (DC) or 100 mA alternating current (AC) was applied to the culture broth, significant increases in cell growth and alcohol production rates occurred. The contents of higher alcohols, esters and organic acids in the culture broths to which AC and DC were applied, were different from those in the control culture (no current application). Several compounds such as acetaldehyde and acetic acid, were formed from ethanol as a result of electrode reaction.