Abstract: A fermentation process for preparing a high yield erythritol using a salt tolerant mutant of Candida sp. [Candida magnoliae SR101:KCCM-10160]. More specifically, the present invention relates to a process for preparing erytlritol under optimal fermentation conditions for maximal erythritol production by optimizing the environmental conditions of culture, including medium component, pH, temperature, aeration rate and agitation speed.

Abstract: Described is an improved fermentation process for producing lactic acid. The preferred process is conducted so as to form a fermentation broth containing undissociated lactic acid. The fermentation broth is contacted with an effective amount of solid-phase polymer containing pyridine groups to adsorb and increase rate of production of the free acid.

Abstract: A method is provided for immobilization of whole microbial cells containing enzymes in Ca-alginate capsules. Whole microbial cells are mixed with a CaCl.sub.2 solution, a small amount of xanthan gum is added, the resultant mixture is added drop-wise while stirring to a Na-alginate solution containing a small amount of surfactant which is preferably polyoxyethylenesorbitan monolaurate to obtain the capsules containing the cells. The capsules may be washed with distilled water, hardened by in a CaCl.sub.2 solution and incubated in a growth medium. The microbial cells are bacteria or fungi cells and may be recombinant cells.