Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Methods for Facilitating Microbial Growth on Pulp Mill Waste Streams and Characterization of the Biodegradation Potential of Cultured Microbes
Published on: December 12, 2013
Aerobic microbial degradation of glucoisosaccharinic Acid
S E Strand1, J Dykes, V Chiang
1College of Forest Resources, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195.
Abstract:
alpha-Glucoisosaccharinic acid (GISA), a major by-product of kraft paper manufacture, was synthesized from lactose and used as the carbon source for microbial media. Ten strains of aerobic bacteria capable of growth on GISA were isolated from kraft pulp mill environments. The highest growth yields were obtained with Ancylobacter spp. at pH 7.2 to 9.5. GISA was completely degraded by cultures of an Ancylobacter isolate. Ancylobacter cell suspensions consumed oxygen and produced carbon dioxide in response to GISA addition. A total of 22 laboratory strains of bacteria were tested, and none was capable of growth on GISA. GISA-degrading isolates were not found in forest soils.
Related Concept Videos
Microbes and Methanogenesis
Production of Organic Acids
Microbial Fermentation
Microbial Bioremediation of Pesticides
Amino Acid Catabolism
Microbes in Food Production

