Use of wheat straw biomass in production of L-lactic acid applying biocatalysis and combined lactic acid bacteria strains belonging to the genus Lactobacillus

The aim of the study was to investigate the usability of wheat straw in the production of L-lactic acid via fermentation applying by newly isolated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains belonging to the genus Lactobacillus and its combinations. Biotreatment of wheat straw was carried out through a three-step procedure consisting of: (i) physical pre-treatment, (ii) enzymatic hydrolysis and (iii) fermentation with LAB strains under laboratory conditions. Lactic acid production, residual sugar, cell biomass, pH medium and the influence of ions such as magnesium, calcium and sodium on efficiency of enzymatic hydrolysis of wheat straw were the main features examined. Moreover, optimal parameters for enzymatic hydrolysis were selected. Increased lactic acid production was observed, when mixed LAB cultures were used in comparison to individual ones. The results confirmed that tested wheat straw could be used for lactic acid and L-lactic acid production using selected enzymes and combined LAB strains.