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Second-generation itaconic acid: An alternative product for biorefineries?
Antonio Irineudo Magalhães1, Júlio Cesar de Carvalho1, Juliano Feliz Thoms1
1Federal University of Paraná, Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Biotechnology, P.O. Box 19011, ZIP Code 81531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
Bioresource Technology
|April 13, 2020
Summary
Aspergillus terreus can produce itaconic acid from lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates, but yields are reduced by mixed sugars and inhibitory by-products like acetic acid, impacting biorefinery applications.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Industrial Microbiology
- Biochemical Engineering
Background:
- Itaconic acid is a valuable platform chemical derived from biomass.
- Industrial production often utilizes lignocellulosic hydrolysates, which contain inhibitory compounds.
- Understanding microbial tolerance and substrate utilization is key for efficient fermentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate itaconic acid production by Aspergillus terreus using lignocellulosic hydrolysate components.
- To assess the impact of mixed sugars (glucose and xylose) on itaconic acid yield.
- To determine the inhibitory effects of key hydrolysis by-products on fermentation.
Main Methods:
- Cultivation of Aspergillus terreus NRRL 1960 in a synthetic medium mimicking lignocellulosic hydrolysate.
- Fermentation experiments with glucose, xylose, and mixtures of both sugars.
- Inhibitory tests with varying concentrations of acetic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.
Main Results:
- Aspergillus terreus successfully produced itaconic acid and consumed xylose.
- Itaconic acid yield was lower with xylose compared to glucose and further reduced with mixed sugars.
- Acetic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural significantly reduced itaconic acid titers, with acetic acid being particularly detrimental.
Conclusions:
- The presence of acetic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural in lignocellulosic hydrolysates negatively impacts itaconic acid production.
- Optimizing fermentation conditions and potentially employing strain engineering is necessary for efficient itaconic acid biorefining.
- This study provides insights into challenges for industrial itaconic acid production from biomass.
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