4- Production Process of Citric Acid

Production of citric acid can be accomplished by two methods:

1- A biochemical method
production of citric acid using a biochemical process typically involves fermentation of
Aspergillus niger.
About Aspergillus niger: Aspergillus niger is a commonly found filamentous fungus with a
distinctive black appearance due to its black conidia. It holds significant industrial importance,
being widely used in various biotechnological applications, particularly in the production of
citric acid through fermentation. Its versatility extends beyond citric acid production, as it's also
employed in generating enzymes such as amylases, glucoamylases, and pectinases. Aspergillus
niger remains a pivotal organism in biotechnology, contributing to diverse applications in the
food, pharmaceutical, and biofuel industries.
Production outline:
1-Preparation:
A medium rich in carbohydrates (like molasses or glucose) is sterilized to prevent the growth of
unwanted microbes.
2-Inoculation:
The sterilized medium is then inoculated with the selected strain of Aspergillus niger.
3-Fermentation:
The mold ferments the sugars present in the medium, converting them into citric acid through a
series of biochemical reactions.
4-Optimization:
The fermentation conditions, such as temperature, pH, aeration, and agitation, are carefully
controlled to maximize citric acid production.
5-Recovery:
After fermentation, the mixture is treated to separate the citric acid from the remaining
components. This can involve filtration, precipitation, and purification processes.
6-Crystallization:
Citric acid can be further purified and concentrated through crystallization, resulting in
the final product.