Functionalized alginate as immobilization matrix in enantioselective L (+) lactic acid production by Lactobacillus...

The imperative role of functionalized natural alginate in immobilization of Lactobacillus delbrucekii (NCIM 2365) cells in production of optically pure L (+) lactic acid was studied. L. delbrucekii cells were immobilized in alginate, succinylated alginate and carrageenan to evaluate the bead stability and selectivity towards production of optically pure L (+) lactic acid. The scanning electron microscopic studies of free and immobilized cells show little morphological changes. The present study highlights the use of functionalized alginate-immobilized L. delbrucekii cells in production of L (+) lactic acid in higher yields (0.93 Yp/s in grams) with an improved enantioselectivity (99%). In addition, they further revealed decreased by-product formation (acetic and propionic acid) when compared to free and other immobilized cell fermentation.