In this study alginate production by Pseudomonas mendocina in a laboratory-scale fermenter was investigated. In the experiments the effect of temperature (25-31 degrees C) and agitation (500-620 rev min(-1)) at a constant air flow of 10 v/v/h were evaluated in relation to the rate of glucose bioconversion to alginate using response surface methodology (RSM). The fermenter configuration was also adapted to a system with a screw mixer and draft tube, due to the change in rheological characteristics of the fermentation broth. The adjusted model indicates a temperature of 29.1 degrees C and agitation of 553 rev min(-1) for optimum alginate synthesis. In this fermentation system a Y-p/s of 44.8% was achieved. The alginate synthesized by P. mendocina showed a partially acetylated pattern as previously reported for alginates obtained from other Pseudomonas spp and Azotobacter vinelandii.235691695