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Title: An integrated bioconversion process for the production of L-lactic acid from starchy feedstocks

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/505310· OSTI ID:505310

The potential market for lactic acid as the feedstock for biodegradable polymers, oxygenated chemicals, and specialty chemicals is significant. L-lactic acid is often the desired enantiomer for such applications. However, stereospecific lactobacilli do not metabolize starch efficiently. In this work, Argonne researchers have developed a process to convert starchy feedstocks into L-lactic acid. The processing steps include starch recovery, continuous liquefaction, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. Over 100 g/L of lactic acid was produced in less than 48 h. The optical purity of the product was greater than 95%. This process has potential economical advantages over the conventional process.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-31109-ENG-38
OSTI ID:
505310
Report Number(s):
ANL/ES/CP-91789; CONF-9705112-2; ON: DE97052860; TRN: AHC29716%%62
Resource Relation:
Conference: 19. symposium on biotechnology for fuels and chemicals, Colorado Springs, CO (United States), 4-8 May 1997; Other Information: PBD: [1997]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English