Itaconic acid: microbial production using organic wastes as cost-effective substrates

Abstract

Abstract Itaconic acid is one of industrially important organic acid having wide application in environmental protection, food and textile industries. Microorganisms mainly fungi have vast potential to be exploited for itaconic acid production. But low yield and higher cost of production are major drawback creating a settle back for industrial production. This problem can be solved by using low cost organic waste as substrate. This review summarizes recent research on production of itaconic acid using organic wastes, microorganisms involved, extraction, application and problem faced during utilization of agro-industrial wastes.