Oxygen Uptake Rate Controlling Strategy Balanced with Oxygen Supply for Improving Coenzyme Q₁₀ Production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides

The effects of different oxygen uptake rates (OUR) on the physiological metabolism of Rhodobacter sphaeroides were investigated systematically in 50 L fermenters due to the significant influence on industrial coenzyme Q10 production under oxygen supply limitation. Meanwhile, the seriously decreased oxygen transfer rate caused by the increased broth viscosity was successfully prevented with OUR-directed continuous ammonium sulfate feeding in the late fermentation phase. The statistical analysis results showed that controlling OUR constantly at 45 ± 2.2 mmol/L/h by the oxygen supply level adjustment and the continuous ammonium sulfate feeding could greatly enhance Q₁₀ production. This OUR-Stat controlling strategy successfully achieved the maximal coenzyme Q₁₀ production (2584 ± 82 mg/L), which was 15.4% higher than that of the control. The highest specific CoQ₁₀ content was 25.9 mg/(g DCW)), and the yield of CoQ₁₀ to glucose consumption was up to 19.37 mg/g. These results demonstrated that the optimal OUR-Stat controlling strategy would be effective and economical for improving the industrial CoQ₁₀ production.