What are the Main Catalytic Processes for Lactic Acid Production?
There are two primary routes for the production of lactic acid: fermentation and chemical synthesis.
Fermentation: This biological process utilizes microorganisms such as Lactobacillus species to convert carbohydrates like glucose, sucrose, or lactose into lactic acid. The process is catalyzed by enzymes produced by these microorganisms, making it a green and sustainable approach.
Chemical Synthesis: This route involves the catalytic conversion of petrochemical-based substrates like acetaldehyde, acetone, or glycerol into lactic acid. Examples include the hydrolysis of lactonitrile using acid or base catalysts.
