Optimization and scale-up of succinic acid production by Mannheimia succiniciproducens LPK7

The effects of culture conditions on succinic acid production and its possible scale-up have been studied. Mannheimia succiniciproducens LPK7, engineered for enhanced production of succinic acid and reduced by-product secretion, was used for the experiments. Mannheimia succiniciproducens LPK7 is a knock-out strain of wild type deficient in the ldhA, pflB, and pta-ackA genes, and is derived from Mannheimia succiniciproducens MBEL55E. Process optimization of factors including optimal temperature, pH, carbon source, and nitrogen source was performed to enhance the production of succinic acid in flasks. To observe scale-up effects, batch fermentation was carried out at various working volumes. At a working volume of 7.0 l, the final succinic acid concentration and yield were 15.4 g/l and 0.86 g/g. This result shows similar amount of succinic acid obtained in lab-scale fermentation, and it is possible to scale up to larger fermentors without major problems.