Studies on Itaconic acid Production using Aspergillus sps.: Statistical approach for Optimization, Immobilization and Biokinetics

Recent advancements in the field of industrial biotechnology have led to the development of successful organic acids, which is being used in the production of biodegradable plastics. Itaconic acid is made use as a co-monomer at a level of 1–5% for certain polymer products. It is also important as a constituent for the fabrication of synthetic fibers, coatings, adhesives, thickeners, and binders. The microorganisms such as Aspergills niger,Aspergillus terreus,Aspergillus nidulans and Aspergillus flavus were screened for itaconic acid production, Aspergillus terreus was found to be a good producer among the said Aspergillus sps..With the above confirmation, the optimization stuides were carried out for the production of itaconic acid through stastical approach. The itaconic acid production was studied using immobilized A. terreus on polyurethane foam. The growth studies and Biokinetics in batch cultures using A. niger, A. terreus, A. nidulans and A. flavus were investigated for itaconic acid production.