Inventors:
Michael C. Flickinger - Saint Paul MN
Richard S. Hanson - Wayzata MN
Frederick J. Schendel - Oakdale MN
Charles R. Anderson - Apple Valley MN
Paul R. August - Bloomington MN
Assignee:
Regents of the University of Minnesota - Minneapolis MN
International Classification:
C12P 740, C12P 754
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for the direct biological production of calcium magnesium acetate using a novel combination of an aerobic thermophilic bacterium of the genus Bacillus, capable of supporting the sustained production of substantial quantities of acetic acid at low pH, high temperatures, and high salt concentrations. Strains of bacterium of the genus Bacillus selected and isolated for use in the present invention produce acetic acid in the presence of a neutralizing source of calcium and magnesium ions, such as dolomitic lime, to produce substantial quantities of calcium magnesium acetate.