Optimization of parameters for hydrolysis of limonin for debittering of kinnow mandarin juice by Rhodococcus fascians

The use of Rhodococcus fascians for debittering kinnow juice was explored. Its growth and application conditions were optimized. Incubation of kinnow juice with 5% (v/v) R. fascians mass cultivated for 48 h afforded optimal (60%) degradation of limonin at 25°C, pH 4.0, and 150 rev min -1 for 48 h. Coupling of this step with alkaline degradation led to 78% degradation of limonin.