Microbial production of itaconic acid: developing a stable platform for high product concentrations

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2012 Dec;96(5):1209-16. doi: 10.1007/s00253-012-4221-y. Epub 2012 Jul 1.

Abstract

Biotechnologically produced itaconic acid (IA) is a promising organic acid with a wide range of applications and the potential to open up new application fields in the area of polymer chemistry, pharmacy, and agriculture. In this study, a systematic process optimization was performed with an own isolated strain of Aspergillus terreus and transferred from a 250-mL to a 15-L scale. An IA concentration of 86.2 g/L was achieved within 7 days with an overall productivity of 0.51 g/(L h), a maximum productivity of 1.2 g/(L h), and a yield of 86 mol%. A cultivation of other well-known A. terreus strains with the developed process showed no significant differences. Based on this, a process is developed providing a high final IA concentration independent of the used strain combined with high reproducibility.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aspergillus / growth & development
  • Aspergillus / metabolism*
  • Biotechnology / methods*
  • Succinates / metabolism*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Succinates
  • itaconic acid