ABSTRACT
In the case of microbial mediated processes, feedstocks will include only the major substrates and nutrients required by the microbes, i.e., carbon and energy sources, oxygen in case of aerobic processes and nitrogen source. Defined mixed process cultures comprising single primary species and restricted number of secondary species offer numerous possibilities for the complete utilisation of impure carbon energy feedstocks. Discussion of carbon monoxide as a commercial process feedstock must necessarily be hypothetical rather than based on experience. Undoubtedly the most interesting aspect of carbon monoxide as a commercial feedstock is that it provides an indirect method of utilising solid feedstocks such as coal but, because carbon monoxide is a gas, the question of effective conversion must arise as with all gaseous feedstocks. The potential for both animal and vegetable oils as carbon energy feedstocks for antibiotic fermentations has been reviewed by Stowell where not only the advantages but also some technical disadvantages of such feedstocks are identified and discussed.
