Fermentation industry itaconic acid

Another biofuel candidate that can be derived from LA is 2-methyl tetrahydro-furan (2-MTHF), which is obtained via the intermediate yVl in a reaction pathway that includes both dehydration and hydrogenation steps [99, 100]. In a comparable reaction, itaconic acid, a platform chemical produced industrially by fermentation of carbohydrates such as glucose, can be converted into 3-methyl tetrahydrofuran [100]. The hydrogen required to produce yVl may be obtained from formic acid, via transfer... 

There are many organic acids that can be produced by microbial or biochemical means. However, at present, only acetic acid (as vinegar), citric acid, itaconic acid, gluconic acid, 2-keto-gulonic acid, and lactic acid are produced industrially by fermentation. Other organic acids, such as fumaric, gallic, malic, and tartaric acids, once produced by fermentation or enzyme processes, are now produced commercially, predominantly by the more economic means of chemical synthesis. 

Although both Aspergillus itaconicus and Aspergillus terreus are known producers of itaconic acid, the latter is superior to the former and is believed to be used industrially. Either surface (shallow-pan) or submerged (deep-tank) fermentation can be used. The medium contains molasses, cornsteep liquor. 

Pfeifer, V.F., Vojnovich, C., Heger, E.N., 1952. Itaconic acid by fermentation with Aspergillus terreus. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry 44,2975-2980. 

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