Fermentation products of primary metabolism such as ethanol, acetic acid, and lactic acid were the first commercial products of the fermentation industry, followed by citric acid and related products of fungal origin. As high-volume/low-price products they still occupy top positions in the respective markets. Several of these, especially alcohols, have attracted additional attention as possible sources of alternative energy carriers and chemicals. This volume describes theory and practice of production of these commodities - from classical processes to most recent developments - and also provides data on the relevant raw materials. Futhermore, products related to primary metabolism are treated in this volume.
Topics included are: Sugar-Based/Starch-Based Raw Materials - Ethanol - Glycerol and Other Polyols - Acetone, Butanol, Isopropanol - 2,3-Butanediol - Lactic Acid - Citric Acid - Gluconic Acid - Further Organic Acids - Acetic Acid - PHB and Other Polyhydroxyalkanoic Acids - Amino Acids - Nucleotides - Extracellular Polysaccharides - Biosurfactants