Bio-Technical Resources, Inc.

E.i. Dupont De Nemours and Company

Ronald J Huss

Thomas J Skatrud

Alan D Grund

Jeffrey A Running

James A Doncheck

Michael H Reimer

Microalgal biomass that comprises cells of Chlorella pyrenoidosa which contain greater than 2.0% by dry weight of L-ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), microorganisms and processes that form the biomass, and L-ascorbic acid enhanced animal feed compositions that contain the biomass are disclosed.

L-ascorbic acid containing biomass of chlorella pyrenoidosa

A process for dehydrating compounds of the formula ##STR1## where --R is --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2, --C.tbd.CH --C.tbd.N or ##STR2## in an aqueous solution thereof is disclosed. In the case where R is --CH.dbd.CH.sub.2 or --C.dbd.CH, the temperature is preferably at least 50.degree. C. and preferably 75.degree. to 100.degree. C. The base is at least 0.1N and preferably 1.0 to 8N. Preferred bases are NaOH, KOH and C.sub.5 OH. In the case where --R is C.tbd.N, the temperature preferably is 20.degree. to 50.degree. C.

Base-catalyzed dehydration of substituted

Improved production of ascorbic acid is obtained empolying Chlorella as a microorganism source and growing the culture under a controlled pattern of carbon source supply. Greatly improved ratios of ascorbic acid to total carbon supplied as well as enhanced ascorbic acid concentrations in the fermentor are obtained. C. pyrenoidosa UV101-158 was deposited at the A.T.C.C. on June 27, 1985 and given Accession No. 53170.

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Manitowoc, WI, United States of America

Ronald J Huss