Production of D-Lactic Acid Using a Novel Enzyme

Nitrile Hydratase-Based D-Lactic Acid Production Technology

This technology relates to a bioconversion process for producing highly optically pure D-lactic acid using a novel enzyme, nitrile hydratase.

Conventional methods for producing D-lactic acid have suffered from complicated reaction steps, high cost, and limited optical purity. This technology uses the enzymatic hydrolysis of lactonitrile to produce D-lactic acid with high yield and high selectivity.

As a result, it enables economical production of highly optically pure D-lactic acid and can strengthen the competitiveness of raw-material manufacturing for bioplastics, food, and pharmaceutical applications.

Key Features:

• It hydrolyzes lactonitrile using a nitrile hydratase enzyme.
• It selectively produces D-lactic acid with high optical purity.
• It is advantageous for process simplification and reduction of production costs.