Enhanced Production of Lactic Acid by Screening of Indigenous Fungal Strains and Biomass

Muhammad Irfan; Zahid Anwar; Muddassar Zafar

doi:https://doi.org/10.12982/CMJS.2026.102

Enhanced Production of Lactic Acid by Screening of Indigenous Fungal Strains and Biomass

Muhammad Irfan, Zahid Anwar* and Muddassar Zafar
* Author for corresponding; e-mail address: zahid.anwar@uog.edu.pk
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0891-1015
Volume: Vol.53 No.6 (November 2026: In progress)
Research Article
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12982/CMJS.2026.102
Received: 12 March 2026, Revised: 16 June 2026, Accepted: 22 July 2026, Published: -

Citation: Irfan M., Anwar Z. and Zafar M., Enhanced production of lactic acid by screening of indigenous fungal strains and biomass. Chiang Mai Journal of Science, 2026; 53(6): e2026102. DOI 10.12982/CMJS.2026.102.

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Lactic acid (LA) is a multipurpose chemical with growing applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and bioplastic industries, particularly in the production of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA). Fortune Business Insights reports that the global market value increases significantly from $7.88 billion in 2024 to $31.84 billion by 2032. This study aimed to develop a cost-effective and sustainable process for producing LA from agro-industrial waste. Central Composite Design (CCD), a subset of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the dilute sulfuric acid pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. RSM optimized the pretreatment conditions at 2.5% sulfuric acid, 90 °C temperature, and 60 minutes reaction time. Among eight indigenous biomasses screened, wheat straw yielded the highest glucose concentration, exceeding 90% of its theoretical maximum. Five indigenous fungal strains were then screened for their LA production capabilities, with Rhizopus oryzae demonstrating superior performance and subsequently selected for further optimization. The effects of various fermentation parameters like incubation time, pH, temperature, inoculum size, urea, and magnesium sulfate, were optimized using RSM. The RSM results showed that the maximum LA yield (76.15 gL^-1) was achieved after 5 days’ incubation time, pH 6, 40 °C temperature, 5 mL inoculum size, 0.1 g L^-1 urea, and 0.1 g L^-1 magnesium sulfate respectively. ANOVA confirmed that incubation time, pH, temperature, and urea are significant contributors for LA production (p < 0.05), whereas inoculum size had no significant effect. The linear effect of magnesium sulfate was not statistically significant (p = 0.114), although its quadratic term showed significance (p = 0.038), indicating a non-linear rather than proportional relationship with lactic acid production. After purification and recovery, a final Lactic Acid concentration of 87.75 g L^-1 was achieved. Results showed that fermenting agro-industrial waste into lactic acid contributes to potential cost-effective waste valorization and also reduces environmental pollution.

Keywords: lactic acid, Rhizopus oryzae, pretreatment, optimization, response surface methodology (RSM), central composite design (CCD), agro-industrial waste

Heterologous Expression, and Characterization of a Thermophilic and Acid-Tolerant GH10 Xylanase from Thermomonospora amylolytica
DOI: 10.12982/CMJS.2026.106.

Lei Li †, Lin-Hua Li†, Wei Hu, Yang-Min Li, Mao-Song Li, Zheng-Feng Yang, Dorji Phurbu, Yan-Yan Zheng, Syed Raziuddin Quadri, Manik Prabhu Narsing Rao* and Yi-Rui Yin*

Vol.53 No.6 (November 2026: In progress)
Research Article View: 53 Download: 4

Investigation on Selection, Improvement of Biomass Production and Protein Content in Duckweeds (Lemna Strains)
DOI: 10.12982/CMJS.2024.065.

Ramesh Basnet, Anping Du, Li Tan, Ling Guo, Yanglin Jin, Zhuolin Yi, Tianfang Huang, Yang Fang and Hai Zhao

Vol.51 No.4 (July 2024)
Research Article View: 1,773 Download: 686

H2S Removal from Biogas using Steel Wool (Fe2O3) Adsorption Combined with Water Absorption: Experimental and Modelling via RSM
DOI: 10.12982/CMJS.2024.027.

Jiraporn Paoaiang, Prukraya Pongyeela, Nirana Chairerk and Juntima Chungsiriporn

Vol.51 No.2 (March 2024)
Research Article View: 2,429 Download: 1,957

Grey-Taguchi Approach for Optimizing FSW Parameters in Joining AA6262 and AA5083 Alloys
DOI: 10.12982/CMJS.2024.003.

Jeyakrishnan Sundararaj, Movva Naga Swapna Sri, Anusha Peyyala and Vijayakumar Sivasundar

Vol.51 No.1 (January 2024)
Research Article View: 2,139 Download: 2,202

Local Search Element Decomposition Method to Solve Integer and m-Integer Problems
DOI: 10.12982/CMJS.2022.077.

Ekkaphon Jaiyen, Komgrit Leksakul and Nivit Charoenchai

Vol.49 No.4 (July 2022)
Research Article View: 1,773 Download: 929

Conversion of Palm Oil into Biodiesel Production with Heterogeneous Catalyst Derived from Spent Coffee Grounds Ash: Process Optimization Through Response Surface Methodology
page: 580 - 599

Jakkrapong Jitjamnong*, Natthida Numwong, Narinphop Chuaykarn, Chatrawee Direksilp, Apanee Luengnaruemitchai, Napaphat Kongrit and Nonlapan Khantikulanon

Vol.48 No.2 (March 2021)
Research Article View: 1,605 Download: 213

Capacitance Optimization of Planar Carbon-based Supercapacitor
page: 607 - 613

Ukrit Jitropas, Chumphol Yunphuttha, Sumeth Siriroj and Worawat Meevasana*

Vol.47 No.4 (Special Issue II : July 2020)
Research Article View: 2,450 Download: 1,259

Optimization of Culture Conditions for Oil Production by the Double Mutant of Chlorella sorokiniana DMKU5202-D223
page: 1055 - 1068

Mathurin Vichachucherd, Wichien Yongmanitchai and Duenrut Chonudomkul *

Vol.46 No.6 (November 2019)
Research Article View: 1,831 Download: 504

Kinetic Parameters of Candida tropicalis TISTR 5306 for Ethanol Production Process Using an Optimal Enzymatic Digestion Strategy of Assorted Grade Longan Solid Waste Powder
page: 1036 - 1054

Saengkae Wattanapanom, Jidapa Muenseema, Charin Techapun, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Vorapat Sanguanchaipaiwong, Thanongsak Chaiyaso, Prasert Hanmoungjai, Phisit Seesuriyachan, Julaluk Khemacheewakul, Rojarej Nunta, Sumeth Sommanee, Chatchadaporn Mahakuntha, Supavej Maniyom, Siriwat Jinsiriwanit, Churairat Moukamnerd and Noppol Leksawasdi *

Vol.46 No.6 (November 2019)
Research Article View: 1,606 Download: 1,499

Bioproduction of Xylitol From Chestnut Shell Hydrolysate: Optimization of Fermentation Parameters
page: 822 - 838

Kubra Eryasar-Orer and Seda Karasu-Yalcin*

Vol.46 No.5 (September 2019)
Research Article View: 1,272 Download: 356

Optimization of Oleic Acid Esterification for Biodiesel Production using Brønsted Acidic Ionic Liquid as a Catalyst
page: 714 - 726

Benyong Han, Fang Yin*, Shiqing Liu, Xingling Zhao, Jing Liu, Changmei Wang, Hong Yang, Wudi Zhang*

Vol.46 No.4 (July 2019)
Research Article View: 1,391 Download: 654

Isolation of A Novel Collagenase-producing Strain from Animal Bone Wastes and Optimization of Its Enzyme Production
page: 219 - 235

Lili Liu*, Yuanyuan Meng, Xiaoning Dai and Ke Chen

Vol.46 No.2 (March 2019)
Research Article View: 1,344 Download: 342

Optimization and Performance of Covered-Light Structures for Hydrogen Production by Rhodopseudomonas palustris TN1
page: 2597 - 2608

Pornnipa Botthong, Tanatorn Pornsawatchai, Wanticha Savedboworn, Sriwiang Tipkanon, Atipan Siammai and Wiboon Riansa-ngawong

Vol.45 NO.7 (November 2018)
Research Article View: 1,425 Download: 308

Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Polysaccharides from Rice Brans
page: 1372 - 1382

Siriluck Surin, Phisit Seesuriyachan, Prodpran Thakeow, SangGuan You and Yuthana Phimolsiripol*

Vol.45 No.3 (May 2018)
Research Article View: 1,640 Download: 463

Toluene Oxidation using K-OMS 2 Synthesized Via Hydrothermal Process by Central Composite Design
page: 1030 - 1038

Jessa Marie Millanar, Mark Daniel de Luna, Aummara Yodsa-nga and Kitirote Wantala*

Vol.45 No.2 (March 2018)
Research Article View: 1,258 Download: 235

Screening and Optimization of Squalene Production from Microalgae Aurantiochytrium sp.
page: 680 - 691

Aeujkom Saengwong, Wichien Yongmanitchai and Duenrut Chonudomkul*

Vol.45 No.2 (March 2018)
Research Article View: 1,305 Download: 369

Biohydrogen Production from Crude Glycerol Using Anaerobic Mixed Cultures: Media Compositions Optimization
page: 653 - 667

Sureewan Sittijunda and Alissara Reungsang*

Vol.45 No.2 (March 2018)
Research Article View: 1,285 Download: 370

Physical Pretreatments for Improving Nutritive Value of Cyanobacterial Cells
page: 116 - 128

Somrak Rodjaroen, Karun Thongprajukaew and Suktianchai Saekhow

Vol.45 No.1 (January 2018)
Research Article View: 1,633 Download: 567

Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation of L-(+)-Lactic Acid Production from Liquefied Cassava Starch by Immobilized Rhizopus oryzae in a 3 L Airlift Fermenter
page: 77 - 91

Srisakul Trakarnpaiboon, Suthasinee Praneetrattananon and Vichien Kitpreechavanich

Vol.45 No.1 (January 2018)
Research Article View: 1,560 Download: 553

Ultrasonic Extraction, Antioxidant and Anti-glycation Activities of Polysaccharides from Gynura divaricata Leaves
page: 144 - 156

Pawinee Deetae*[a, e], Kwanrudee Tseng [a], Chanathinart Pasuphan [a], Atikorn Panya [b], Pawadee Methacanon [c], Waranya Temthawee [a] and Manop Suphantharika [d]

Vol.44 No.1 (JANUARY 2017)
Research Article View: 2,622 Download: 424

Optimization of Xylitol Production by Candida tropicalis A26
page: 50 - 58

Wanlapa Lorliam [a], Ancharida Akaracharanya [b], Sukhumaporn Krajangsang [c], Vasana Tolieng [d] a

Vol.44 No.1 (JANUARY 2017)
Research Article View: 1,390 Download: 265

Utilization of Non-rubber Skim Latex for Poly(L-lactide)-degrading Enzyme Production by Actinomadura keratinilytica Strain T16-1
page: 1016 - 1026

Sabadee Worrathampitak [a], Shinji Tokuyama [b], Vichien Kitpreechavanich [c] and Sukhumaporn Sukkhum* [a]

Vol.43 No.5 (OCTOBER 2016)
Research Article View: 1,287 Download: 379

Enhanced of High Level of b-xylosidase with b-xylanase Production by Co-culturing of Bacillus Strains from Rice Straw using Response Surface Methodology
page: 822 - 839

Chanaporn Trakunjae, Sukhumaporn Sukkhum and Vichien Kitpreechavanich

Vol.42 No.4 (OCTOBER 2015)
Research Article View: 1,109 Download: 273

Improvement of production and stability of silk degumming protease by Bacillus sp. C4 SS-2013
page: 599 - 613

Nisa Romsomsa, Patoomporn Chim-anage, Sarote Sirisansaneeyakul

Vol.42 No.3 (JULY 2015)
Research Article View: 1,573 Download: 298

Selective Isolation of Cultivable Actinomycetes from Thai Coastal Marine Sediment
page: 88 - 103

Pornpan Ruttanasutja and Wasu Pathom-aree

Vol.42 No.1 (JANUARY 2015)
Research Article View: 1,557 Download: 335

Isolation and study of thermotolerant Bacillus strains including L-lactic acid production from kitchen refuse
page: 62 - 69

Saowanit Tongpim and Kenji Sakai

Vol.42 No.1 (JANUARY 2015)
Research Article View: 1,139 Download: 315

β-Carotene Production by Sporobolomyces pararoseus TISTR5213 Using Crude Glycerol as the Sole Carbon Source
page: 17 - 33

Atchara Manowattana [a], Charin Techapun [b], Phisit Seesuriyachan [b], Prasert Hanmoungjai [b] and

Vol.42 No.1 (JANUARY 2015)
Research Article View: 1,275 Download: 249

Optimization of Solid-state Fermentation for Fruiting Body Growth and Cordecepin Production by Cordyceps militaris
page: 858 - 872

Ting-chi Wen, Cuang-rong Li, Ji-chuan Kang*,Chao Kang and Kevin D. Hyde

Vol.41 No.4 (SPECIAL ISSUE 1)
Research Article View: 1,970 Download: 608

Profiles of Plasmids in Lactobacilli Isolated from Fermented Foods
page: 648 - 652

Panitnart Auputinan, Yingmanee Tragoolpua, Sumalee Pruksakorn and Narumol Thongwai

Vol.38 No.4 (OCTOBER 2011)
Short Communication View: 1,226 Download: 278

Optimization of Media Components and Operating Conditions for Exogenous Production of Fungal L-asparaginase
page: 270 - 279

Gurunathan Baskar [a], and Sahadevan Renganathan*[b]

Vol.38 No.2 (APRIL 2011)
Research Article View: 1,152 Download: 259

Chiang Mai Journal of Science

2,471

Q3 1.0

Q2 1.6

7 days

Outline

Figures and Tables