“d-Sorbose fermentation” from galactiol by Pseudomonas sp. ST 24

A process for the production of d -sorbose from galactitol has been developed. The strain Pseudomonas sp. ST 24 used in this fermentation was isolated from soil. The cells grown on d -sorbitol had the highest transformation activity. The yield of d -sorbose accumulated in the medium from galactitol was as high as 70%. The transformation pathway from galactitol to d -sorbose in this strain was postulated as follows: dehydrogenation of galactitol to d -tagatose and then epimerization of d -tagatose to d -sorbose.