Strain development and medium optimization for fumaric acid production

Rhizopus oryzae RUR709 mutant was isolated based on halo size from selection medium via mutagenesis with UV and γ-rays, and the production of fumaric acid in the submerged fermentation was assessed. The maximum concentration of fumaric acid was obtained using 0.5% corn steep liquor (CSL) as the nitrogen source. Organic nitrogen sources were shown to be more effective in fumaric acid production than inorganic nitrogen sources. Using optimum medium obtained by response surface methodology (RSM), the maximum concentration of fumaric acid achieved in flask culture was 26.2 g/L, which is fairly close to the 27.4 g/L predicted by the model. The highest concentration of fumaric acid in the stirred-tank reactor generated by the R. oryzae RUR709 mutant was 32.1 g/L and yield (0.45 g/g) and productivity (0.32 g/L/h) were highest at 4 days.