Ustilago cynodontis K320 was selected as the best strain for the production of l-itatartaric acid and its lactone, l-2-hydroxyparaconic acid, in shake culture under acidic conditions. Factors affecting the acid production were examined to optimize the culture conditions for maximal production of itatartaric and 2-hydroxyparaconic acids and efforts were made to simplify the recovery of the acids. Fermentation in a jar was continued until the accumulated itaconic acid and erythritol were completely consumed. 2-Hydroxyparaconic acid (49 g) was easily recovered as a crystalline mass (about 96% in purity) from 11 of the culture filtrate by a process consisting of concentration, lactonization of itatartaric acid to 2-hydroxyparaconic acid, and ethyl acetate extraction. Sodium itatartarate was prepared from the recovered 2-hydroxyparaconic acid by saponification.

This article cannot obtain the latest cited-by information.