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In the present paper, parametric optimization studies were performed to determine the most
influential range of process parameters for maximum lactic acid production from Lactobacillus
amylovorus NRRL B4542 under submerged fermentation conditions. Various parameters viz.
agitation, pH of medium, inoculum size, temperature, buffering agents and different starchy sources
were taken into consideration. The optimum conditions were agitation (200rpm), pH (8.5),
temperature (40oC), incubation time (30oC) and inoculum (7%) for maximum lactic acid production.
Also, scale up studies were conducted using corn starch from free and calcium alginate entrapped
cells of L. amylovorous NRRL B- 4542 on 15 L fermenter scale using corn starch (60 g/l) as carbon
source. Free cells of L. amylovorous NRRL B-4542 showed lactic acid production (55g/l) and
immobilized cells produced lactic acid (60g/l) with the maximum yield 0.96g/g after 3 cycles
thereafter showed declination in lactic acid yield.
Key words: Lactic acid; Lactobacillus amylovorous NRRL B- 4542; Immobilized cells.