Fungi in Production of Organic Acid

 Fungi in Production of Organic Acids

Biochemical activities of several fungi are utilized in the commercial production of organic acids.

1. Citric acid: It is produced by fermenting sucrose and molasses by Aspergillus niger and A. wentii. Citric acid is used in soft drinks and other foods and medicinal preparations. It is a superior sequestering agent and is used in the manufacture of ink, dyeing, electroplating and leather tanning.

2. Itaconic acid: It is produced by fermentation of sugars by Aspergillus itaconicum and A. terreus. It is widely used in the manufacture of alkyl resins, synthetic fibres and plasticizers.

3. Gluconic acid: It is produced by fermenting sugars by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium purpurogenum. It is used in pharmaceutical, food, textile, leather and photographic industries.

4. Kojic acid: It is produced by fermentation of sugars by Aspergillus oryzae. It possesses insecticidal and antibiotic properties and is used in the preparation of pyridines, ethers, esters, azodyes, etc.

5. Gallic acid: It is synthesized by the hydrolysis of gallotannin present in gall nuts by Penicillium glaucum and Aspergillus gallomyces. It is used in the manufacture of inks and dyes.

6. Fumaric acid: It is obtained by fermentation of sugars by Rhizopus stolonifer. It is used in the manufacture of alkyl resins and wetting agents.

7. Others: Besides, several species of Mucor and Rhizopus are used in the production of lactic, oxalic and succinic acids.