Bacillus stearothermophilus for thermophilic production of L-lactic acid.

A process for the continuous production of high purity L-lactic acid in a membrane bioreactor at 65 degrees C has been developed. Two different Bacillus stearothermophilus strains have been tested in batch experiments. Lactic acid yields are between 60 and more than 95% of theoretical yields. The amounts of ethanol, acetate, and formate formed varied between 0 and 0.4, 0 and 0.1, and 0 and 0.5, respectively (mol/mol glucose). All byproducts are valuable and may be separated easily by rectification of the fermentation broth. Complete cell retention enables high volumetric productivity (5 g/Lh), and a minimum of growth supplements. The high temperature of 65 degrees C allows the autoselective fermentation without problems with contamination.