For entrapment, a cell paste (36 h old cells of A. aceti NRRL 746) and a 4% (w/v) sodium alginate solution were mixed and extruded through a syringe into a 0.2 M CaCl2 (anhydrous) solution to form the calcium alginate beads. A total of 200 beads (3.1 × 106 cells /bead) per 400 mL of fermentation medium (cane alcohol) were inoculated. For adsorption, 20 mL cell paste (36 h old cells of A. aceti NRRL 746) and 20 g dried and sterile crushed corn cobs (40 mesh size), sugarcane bagasse (1–2 cm pieces) or soft wood shavings (1–2 cm pieces) were mixed, shaken for 6 h and inoculated in 400 mL of 7% (v/v) cane alcohol.