Synthesis of itaconic acid from agricultural waste using novel Aspergillus niveus

Filamentous fungi from the genus Aspergillus are of high importance for the production of organic acids. Itaconic acid (IA) is considered as an important component for the production of synthetic fibers, resin, plastics, rubber, paints, coatings, adhesives, thickeners and binders. Aspergillus niveus MG183809 was isolated from the soil sample (wastewater unit) which was collected from Avadi, Chennai, India. In the present study, itaconic acid was successfully produced by isolated A. niveus by submerged batch fermentation. In the fermentation process, various low-cost substrates like corn starch, wheat flour and sweet potato were used for itaconic acid production. Further, the factor influencing parameters such as substrate concentration and incubation period were optimized. Maximum yield of itaconic acid (15.65 ± 1.75 g/L) was achieved by using A. niveus from corn starch at a concentration of 120 g/L after 168 hr (pH 3.0). And also extraction of itaconic acid from the fermentation was performed with 91.96 ± 1.57 degree of extraction.