The use of microorganisms in L-ascorbic acid production
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Updated: Aug 11, 2026

A Rapid and Specific Microplate Assay for the Determination of Intra- and Extracellular Ascorbate in Cultured Cells
Published on: April 11, 2014
Christoph Bremus1, Ute Herrmann, Stephanie Bringer-Meyer
1Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Institut für Biotechnologie 1, Jülich, Germany.
Abstract:
L-Ascorbic acid has been industrially produced for around 70 years. Over the past two decades, several innovative bioconversion systems have been proposed in order to simplify the long time market-dominating Reichstein method, a largely chemical synthesis by which still a considerable part of L-ascorbic acid is produced. Here, we describe the current state of biotechnological alternatives using bacteria, yeasts, and microalgae. We also discuss the potential for direct production of l-ascorbic acid exploiting novel bacterial pathways. The advantages of these novel approaches competing with current chemical and biotechnological processes are outlined.
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