Production of lactic acid and byproducts from waste potato starch by Rhizopus arrhizus: role of nitrogen sources
Date
2007
Authors
Zhang, Z.
Jin, B.
Kelly, J.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
World Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2007; 23(2):229-236
Statement of Responsibility
Z. Y. Zhang, B. Jin and J. M. Kelly
Conference Name
Abstract
Lactic acid was produced by Rhizopus arrhizus using waste potato starch as the substrate. The aim of this study was to identify the role of nitrogen sources and their impact on the formation of lactic acid and associated byproducts. Ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitrate, urea, yeast extract and peptone were assessed in conjunction with various ratios of carbon to nitrogen (C:N). Fermentation media with a low C:N ratio enhanced the production of lactic acid, biomass and ethanol, while a high C:N ratio favoured the production of fumaric acid. Ammonium nitrate appeared to be the most suitable nitrogen source for achieving a high and stable lactic acid yield, and minimizing the production of byproducts such as biomass and ethanol, while urea proved to be the least favourable nitrogen source. Yeast extract and peptone appeared to improve fungal cell growth. The kinetics data revealed that a high concentration of ammonium nitrate enhanced the lactic acid productivity. The maximum lactic acid concentration of 36.4 g/l, representing a yield of 91%, was obtained with addition of 0.909 g/l ammonium nitrate in 32 h.