To: rgm_pncm@yahoo.

com
Subject: Kluyveromyces marxianus exhibited unusual growth characteristics

Body:
August 21, 2015

Dr. Rosario G. Monsalud

PNCM, BIOTECH, U.P. Los Baos
College, Laguna 4031
Philippines
Dear Dr. Monsalud,
I am Ronald Patrick D. Pascual, a Fourth Year Chemical Engineering student from Adamson University who
purchased Kluyveromyces fragilis (listed also as Kluyveromyces marxianus-BIOTECH 2223) for the execution
of our research entitled: Bioconversion of Rice (Oryza Sativa) Straw to Ethanol using Alkali Pre-treatment and
Co-culture fermentation.
The aforementioned strain is meant to be used as a mechanism for co-culture fermentation together with
Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, as we tried to revive the liquid dried form with the assistance of ITDIDOST, the strain produced a thin white cellulose-like film (resembles nata de coco film via acetobacter xylinum)
under YPD Agar. In lieu with this, I would just like to inquire if the supplied strain really exhibits the said
characteristic because it deviates from the online pictures and information. I would also like to ask if the
supplied strain is capable of ethanol production via fermentation.
Attached hereto is a picture of the revival.
We are hoping for your prompt response. Thank you and God Bless!
Respectfully yours,
Ronald Patrick D. Pascual