Abstract

BIOSYNTHESIS OF ITACONIC ACID. A REVIEW

Syeda Zara Kazmi*, Aneeza Lodhi and Sikander Ali

Abstract

Itaconic acid (IA) is an acrylic acid used for the production of petrochemical based products these days. CadA is an important molecule in the production of IA. Aspergillus terreus is highly known for its production as it yields 91 g/L itaconic acid by utilizing carbohydrate substrate. With the depletion of fossil fuels, scientists have started to produce such a compound obtained from microorganisms which will fulfill the need. Pseudozyma Antarctica, Ustilago maydis and Candida have also been reported for its production but the amount of IA produced is not that much enough. The demand of IA is readily increasing because it’s a biodegradable product and its need will be increased more till 2020. China is the leading producer of IA. This review focus on latest progress in production of IA by using improved strains, its production from cheaper sources, applications and its future perspective.

Keywords: Itaconic acid, Aspergillus terreus, glucose, China, global production