Unlocking Citric Acid Production from Waste: A Novel Aspergillus niveus Based Biotechnological Breakthrough

Introduction

Citric acid, a vital component in food, pharma, and industrial formulations, is predominantly produced through microbial fermentation. In a groundbreaking study, researchers from Vel Tech High Tech Engineering College isolated a novel strain of Aspergillus niveus from agricultural waste, demonstrating its high efficiency in synthesizing citric acid using cost-effective substrates. This eco-friendly approach highlights an innovative method to repurpose bio waste into high-value organic acids.
Visit https://www.advancechemjournal.com/ for more groundbreaking research in this field.

Citric Acid: An Industrial Workhorse from Fungi

The demand for citric acid continues to rise due to its use in:

• Food and beverage preservatives
• Pharmaceutical formulations
• Detergents and household products
• Cosmetics and personal care items

Using Aspergillus species known for their fermentation capabilities provides an efficient biological route for citric acid production.

Study Summary and Key Findings

Researchers aimed to enhance citric acid synthesis using agricultural waste and A. niveus. Key highlights include:

• Source: Agricultural waste samples from Kotagiri, India.
• Isolation Method: Serial dilution and cultivation on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA).
• Identification: 18S rRNA sequencing confirmed the fungal strain as Aspergillus niveus.
• Fermentation: Submerged batch fermentation using low-cost substrates (corn starch, wheat flour, sweet potato).
• Optimization Results:
  • Maximum citric acid yield: 15.65 g/L from 120 g/L corn starch after 168 hours at pH 3.2
  • Extraction efficiency: Up to 91.96% using acetone in a 1:2 aqueous-to-solvent ratio

Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.29328/journal.aac.1001032

Fermentation Medium and Citric Acid Purification

To maximize production, the fermentation broth was enriched with:

• Corn starch: 120–140 g/L
• MgSO₄·7H₂O and NH₄NO₄: Supporting nutrients
• pH: Adjusted to 3.2 for optimal fungal activity

Citric acid was extracted using acetone, with the optimal purification achieved at a 1:2 solvent-to-aqueous ratio.

Why This Matters A Sustainable Solution to Organic Acid Synthesis

This method provides an alternative to conventional petrochemical-based citric acid synthesis. By repurposing agricultural waste, it aligns with green chemistry and circular economy principles.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has long emphasized the need for sustainable practices in industrial biotechnology. Similarly, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) advocates for eco-efficient industrial processes in emerging economies.

Related Reading

• Fermentation Technology
• Bioconversion of Waste

A detailed analysis of fermentation parameters, extraction techniques, and optimization can be found in our main journal article.

You can also explore other chemical research updates at https://www.advancechemjournal.com/.

Conclusion

This research offers a cost-effective and eco conscious method to produce citric acid using waste biomass and a novel fungal strain. It holds promising industrial implications for sustainable biochemical production.

Call to Action

Explore more studies at https://www.advancechemjournal.com/ and join the conversation by sharing your thoughts in the comments below

Disclaimer: This content is generated using AI assistance and should be reviewed for accuracy and compliance before considering this article and its contents as a reference. Any mishaps or grievances raised due to the reusing of this material will not be handled by the author of this article.