New publication: Biotechnological utilization of protein-rich residues

New report on the utilization of protein-rich agricultural residues in the biotechnological production of L-lactic acid and 1,3-propanediol

Yeast extract provides important nutrients, but is a major cost factor in fermentation processes. Our aim is to replace yeast extract in bioprocesses with inexpensive agricultural residues in order to improve the economic efficiency of biobased products. We were able to show that yeast extract could be replaced for the most part (80 %) in the production of 1,3-propanediol, while maintaining the same product concentration and maximum productivity. In the production of L-lactic acid, the expensive, complex components of yeast extract and meat extract were completely replaced by inexpensive, chemically digested rapeseed meal, and with the addition of B vitamins, mineral salts, cysteine and tryptophan, the same product concentration of L-lactic acid was achieved with comparable maximum productivity.