Chapter 3 - Enzymatic production of organic acids via microbial fermentative processes

Abstract

Organic acids are the most promising precursors for the synthesis of various complex chemicals and commercially viable polymers. Those organic acids are supplied along with food as acidulants and preservatives. Some generally used organic acids comprise citric acid, acetic acid, succinic acid, lactic acid, and gluconic acid. Several organic acids of bacterial and fungal sources are major industrial products, the enzymatic fermentation synthesis of which has a distinct economic benefit over chemical production method. The production of organic acid through biological fermentation techniques has eco-friendly and economically potential benefits. In this chapter, we focus on the different bioconversions developed under the anaerobic digestion process for the production of organic acids. The anaerobic digestion process proceeds via a biocatalytic activity of microorganisms that are capable of converting organic waste into value-added products. In this context the chapter provides organic acid production through enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation technology in a detailed manner.