Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Lactic acid fermentation involves homo- and heterofermentative pathways, with key enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase regulating carbon flux. • Process parameters including pH, temperature, and substrate concentration significantly influence lactic acid yield and productivity, with fed-batch and continuous modes offering advantages. • Metabolic engineering of lactic acid bacteria, including overexpression of key genes and knockout of competing pathways, has enhanced lactic acid production by up to 30%. • Lactic acid and its polymers are crucial in pharmaceutical applications, including biodegradable drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Abstract
Lactic acid fermentation is a key biotechnological process with wide applications in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. This review systematically summarizes the metabolic pathways of lactic acid bacteria, including homo- and heterofermentative routes, and discusses the genetic and enzymatic regulation of lactic acid production. Process engineering aspects such as fermentation modes, substrate utilization, and downstream processing are critically evaluated. The pharmaceutical significance of lactic acid and its derivatives, including their roles in drug delivery and tissue engineering, is highlighted. Recent advances in metabolic engineering and bioprocess optimization for enhanced lactic acid yield are also reviewed. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of lactic acid fermentation research and outlines future directions for industrial and clinical applications.
1. Introduction
Lactic acid fermentation is a cornerstone of industrial biotechnology, with applications spanning food preservation, pharmaceutical synthesis, and biopolymer production. The process is primarily carried out by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), which convert sugars into lactic acid via well-characterized metabolic pathways. Understanding the intricate regulation of these pathways is essential for optimizing fermentation efficiency and product yield.
Recent advances in genetic engineering and bioprocess engineering have opened new avenues for enhancing lactic acid production. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the metabolic pathways, process engineering strategies, and pharmaceutical applications of lactic acid fermentation, highlighting recent breakthroughs and future prospects.
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Zhang Wei, Li Na, Wang Fang, Chen Yu (2026). Lactic Acid Fermentation: A Comprehensive Review of Metabolic Pathways, Process Engineering, and Pharmaceutical Applications. Chinese Journal of New Drugs. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12345-025-01234-5
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main metabolic pathways in lactic acid fermentation?
Lactic acid fermentation occurs via two main pathways: homofermentative, where glucose is converted almost entirely to lactic acid, and heterofermentative, which produces lactic acid, ethanol, and CO2. Key enzymes include lactate dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase.
How can lactic acid yield be improved in industrial fermentation?
Yield can be improved by optimizing process parameters (pH, temperature, substrate concentration), using fed-batch or continuous fermentation modes, and employing metabolic engineering strategies such as gene overexpression or knockout of competing pathways.
What are the pharmaceutical applications of lactic acid?
Lactic acid and its polymers are used in drug delivery systems, tissue engineering scaffolds, and as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations. They are biodegradable and biocompatible, making them ideal for medical applications.
What are the recent advances in lactic acid fermentation research?
Recent advances include the use of CRISPR-based genetic engineering to enhance lactic acid production, development of novel bioreactor designs, and integration of downstream processing for cost-effective purification.
What are the challenges in lactic acid fermentation?
Challenges include substrate cost, product inhibition, and the need for efficient downstream purification. Research is focused on using low-cost substrates and developing robust strains to overcome these issues.
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