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