Production of D(-)-lactic acid from cellulose by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation using Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp torquens

D(-)-Lactic acid was produced from cellulose by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) in media containing cellulolytic enzymes and Lactobacillus coryniformis subsp. torquens ATCC 25600 at 39 degreesC and pH 5.4, yielding 0.89 g D(-)- lactic acid g(-1) cellulose at a mean volumetric productivity of 0.5 g l(-1) h(-1). No L(+)-lactic acid was found in the medium.