Bioproduction of l- and d-lactic acids: advances and trends in microbial strain application and engineering

Lactic acid is an important platform chemical used in the food, agriculture, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. It serves as a building block for the production of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, which can replace traditional petroleum-based plastics and help to reduce environmental pollution. Cost-effective production of optically pure l- and d-lactic acids is necessary to achieve a quality and thermostable PLA product. This paper evaluates research advances in the bioproduction of l- and d-lactic acids using microbial fermentation. Special emphasis is given to the development of metabolically engineered microbial strains and processes tailored to alternative and flexible feedstock concepts such as: lignocellulose, glycerol, C1-gases, and agricultural-food industry byproducts. Alternative fermentation concepts that can improve lactic acid production are discussed. The potential use of inducible gene expression systems for the development of biosensors to facilitate the screening and engineering of lactic acid-producing microorganisms is discussed.