Abstract
A suitable culture method and bioreactor type for itaconic acid production were chosen by comparing the maximal concentration of itaconic acid produced in various systems. In batch culture, the maximal concentration of itaconic acid produced in a bubble column reactor was about 5% greater than that produced in stirred-tank or external-loop airlift reactor. These results were thought to be due to lower shear force and higher mass transfer efficiency in a bubble column reactor in comparison with other reactors. Moreover, the fed-batch mode in a bubble column was found to be a suitable one, producing about 25% higher concentration of itaconic acid compared to batch mode.