Home Physical Sciences Oxalic acid: recent developments for cost-effective microbial production
Article
Licensed
Unlicensed Requires Authentication

Oxalic acid: recent developments for cost-effective microbial production

  • Sachin Kumar , Priya Panwar , Nirmala Sehrawat , Sushil Kumar Upadhyay , Anil Kumar Sharma , Manoj Singh and Mukesh Yadav EMAIL logo
Published/Copyright: February 13, 2023
Become an author with De Gruyter Brill

Abstract

Organic acids are the important compounds that have found numerous applications in various industries. Oxalic acid is one of the important organic acids with different industrial applications. Different microbes have been reported as important sources of various organic acids. Majority of studies have been carried on fungal sources for oxalic acid production. Aspergillus sp. has been found efficient oxalic acid producer. Microbial productions of metabolites including organic acids are considered cost effective and eco-friendly approach over chemical synthesis. Fermentative production of microbial oxalic acid seems to be a good alternative as compared to chemical methods. Microbial production of oxalic acid still requires the extensive and elaborated research for its commercial production from efficient microbes using cost effective substrates. The present text summarizes the production of oxalic acid, its applications and recent developments in the direction of fermentative production of microbial oxalic acid.


Corresponding author: Mukesh Yadav, Department of Biotechnology, M.M.E.C., Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, India, E-mail:

Acknowledgements

Authors (MY, NS, AKS, MS, PP, SKU) acknowledge the help and support by Head, Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, India.

  1. Author contributions: All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

  2. Research funding: None declared.

  3. Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding this article.

References

1. Sauer, M, Porro, D, Mattanovich, D, Branduardi, P. Microbial production of organic acids: expanding the markets. Trends Biotechnol 2008;26:100–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2007.11.006.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

2. Papagianni, M. Organic acids. In: Comprehensive biotechnology. The Netherlands: Elsevier; 2011:109–20 pp.10.1016/B978-0-08-088504-9.00011-8Search in Google Scholar

3. Naraian, R, Kumari, S. Microbial Production of organic acids. In: Gupta, VK, Treichel, H, Shapaval, VO, Antonio de Oliveira, L, Tuohy, MG, editors. Microbial functional foods and nutraceuticals. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.; 2017:93–121 pp.10.1002/9781119048961.ch5Search in Google Scholar

4. Strobel, BW. Influence of vegetation on low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids in soil solution-a review. Geoderma 2001;99:169–98. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0016-7061(00)00102-6.Search in Google Scholar

5. Riemenschneider, W, Tanifuji, M. Oxalic acid. In: Ullmann’s encyclopedia of industrial chemistry. Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA; 2011.10.1002/14356007.a18_247.pub2Search in Google Scholar

6. Palmieri, F, Estoppey, A, House, GL, Lohberger, A, Bindschedler, S, Chain, PSG, et al.. Oxalic acid, a molecule at the crossroads of bacterial-fungal interactions. Adv Appl Microbiol 2019;106:49–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.aambs.2018.10.001.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

7. Schoonbeek, HJ, Jacquat-Bovet, AC, Mascher, F, Métraux, JP. Oxalate-degrading bacteria can protect Arabidopsis thaliana and crop plants against Botrytis cinerea. Mol Plant Microbe Interact 2007;20:1535–44. https://doi.org/10.1094/mpmi-20-12-1535.Search in Google Scholar

8. Razzaq, K, Khan, AS, Malik, AU, Shahid, M, Ullah, S. Effect of oxalic acid application on Samar Bahisht Chaunsa mango during ripening and postharvest. LWT – Food Sci Technol 2015;63:152–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2015.03.069.Search in Google Scholar

9. Jang, JY, Choi, YH, Shin, TS, Kim, TH, Shin, KS, Park, HW, et al.. Biological control of Meloidogyne incognita by Aspergillus niger F22 producing oxalic acid. PLoS One 2016;11:e0156230. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156230.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

10. Lee, SI, Lee, KJ, Chun, HH, Ha, S, Gwak, HJ, Kim, HM, et al.. Process development of oxalic acid production in submerged culture of Aspergillus niger F22 and its biocontrol efficacy against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita. Bioproc Biosyst Eng 2018;41:345–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-017-1867-y.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

11. Mutinelli, F, Baggio, A, Capolongo, F, Piro, R, Prandin, L, Biasion, L. A scientific note on oxalic acid by topical application for the control of varroosis. Apidologie 1997;28:461–2. https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:19970612.10.1051/apido:19970612Search in Google Scholar

12. Pospiech, B, Warzecha, M. Application of oxalic acid as an efficient leaching agent of aluminum from industrial waste. Physicochem Probl Miner Process 2020;56:264–70.Search in Google Scholar

13. Santawaja, P, Kudo, S, Tahara, A, Asano, S, Hayashi, JI. Dissolution of iron oxides highly loaded in oxalic acid aqueous solution for a potential application in iron-making. ISIJ Int 2022;62:2466–75. https://doi.org/10.2355/isijinternational.ISIJINT-2020-726.Search in Google Scholar

14. Gopalaiah, K. Oxalic acid: a very useful brønsted acid in organic synthesis. Synlett 2004;15:2838–9. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2004-836028.Search in Google Scholar

15. Honorato, R, Rojas, C, Ivanovic, N. Sodium oxalate as anticoagulant. Exp Biol Med 1948;68:300–1. https://doi.org/10.3181/00379727-68-16463p.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

16. Oxalic Acid Market; 2022. Available from: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/oxalic-acid-market [Accessed 18 Sep 2022].Search in Google Scholar

17. Schuler, E, Demetriou, M, Shiju, NR, Gruter, GM. Towards sustainable oxalic acid from CO2 and biomass. ChemSusChem 2021;14:3636–64. https://doi.org/10.1002/cssc.202101272.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

18. Fuchs, GH, Watson, WE. Manufacture of oxalic acid. US3536754A; 1970. Available from: https://patents.google.com/patent/US3536754A/en.Search in Google Scholar

19. Sullivan, JM, Williard, JW, White, DL, Kim, YK. Production of oxalic acid via the nitric acid oxidation of hardwood (red oak) sawdust. Ind Eng Chem Prod Res Dev 1983;22:699–709. https://doi.org/10.1021/i300012a036.Search in Google Scholar

20. Kuipa, O, Kasungasunge, G, Kuipa, PK. Production of oxalic acid from sawdust using coal fly ash as a catalyst. SN Appl Sci 2021;3:840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-021-04824-w.Search in Google Scholar

21. Yonemitsu, E, Isshika, T, Suzuki, T, Sanada, A. Process for producing oxalic acid. US3691232A; 1972. Available from: https://patents.google.com/patent/US3691232A/en.Search in Google Scholar

22. Sneeden, RPA. Organic syntheses where carbon monoxide is the unique source of carbon. In: Comprehensive organometallic chemistry. The Netherlands: Elsevier; 1982:19–100 pp. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780080465180001070.10.1016/B978-008046518-0.00107-0Search in Google Scholar

23. Walter, W. Manufacture of oxalates and oxalic acid. US1602802A; 1926. Available from: https://patents.google.com/patent/US1602802A/en.Search in Google Scholar

24. Beckham, LJ. Manufacture of oxalic acid. US2687433A; 1954. Available from: https://patents.google.com/patent/US2687433A/en.Search in Google Scholar

25. Hamel, R, Levasseur, R, Appanna, VD. Oxalic acid production and aluminum tolerance in Pseudomonas fluorescens. J Inorg Biochem 1999;76:99–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0162-0134(99)00120-8.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

26. Nakata, PA. The oxalic acid biosynthetic activity of Burkholderia mallei is encoded by a single locus. Microbiol Res 2011;166:531–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micres.2010.11.002.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

27. Nakata, PA, He, C. Oxalic acid biosynthesis is encoded by an operon in Burkholderia glumae. FEMS Microbiol Lett 2010;304:177–82. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.2010.01895.x.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

28. Dutton, MV, Evans, CS. Oxalate production by fungi: its role in pathogenicity and ecology in the soil environment. Can J Microbiol 1996;42:881–95. https://doi.org/10.1139/m96-114.Search in Google Scholar

29. Amaro, JKC, Xavier, LV, Ribeiro, MMA de C, Vieira, BS, Mendes, G de O. Optimization of oxalic acid production by fungi for biotechnological solubilization of rock phosphate. Sci Agric 2023;80:e20210076. https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-992x-2021-0076.Search in Google Scholar

30. Briere, SC, Watson, AK, Hallett, SG. Oxalic acid production and mycelial biomass yield of Sclerotinia minor for the formulation enhancement of a granular turf bioherbicide. Biocontrol Sci Technol 2000;10:281–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/09583150050044556.Search in Google Scholar

31. Kurian, P. Growth of and oxalic acid production by Cristulariella pyramidalis on selected culture media. Phytopathology 1979;69:712. https://doi.org/10.1094/phyto-69-712.Search in Google Scholar

32. Munir, E, Yoon, JJ, Tokimatsu, T, Hattori, T, Shimada, M. A physiological role for oxalic acid biosynthesis in the wood-rotting basidiomycete Fomitopsis palustris. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2001;98:11126–30. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.191389598.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

33. Punja, ZK, Jenkins, SF. Influence of medium composition on mycelial growth and oxalic acid production in Sclerotium Rolfsii. Mycologia 1984;76:947–50. https://doi.org/10.2307/3793153.Search in Google Scholar

34. Townsend, RV, Rioux, RA, Kabbage, M, Stephens, C, Kerns, JP, Koch, P. Oxalic acid production in Clarireedia jacksonii is dictated by pH, host tissue, and xylan. Front Microbiol 2020;11:1732. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01732.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

35. Ruijter, GJG, van de VondervoortPJI, Visser, J. Oxalic acid production by Aspergillus niger: an oxalate-non-producing mutant produces citric acid at pH 5 and in the presence of manganese. Microbiology 1999;145:2569–76. https://doi.org/10.1099/00221287-145-9-2569.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

36. Mandal, SK, Banerjee, PC. Oxalic acid production by Aspergillus niger: influence of hydrogen ion concentration and nitrogen source. Res J Microbiol 2006;1:190–7. https://doi.org/10.3923/jm.2006.190.197.Search in Google Scholar

37. Betiku, E, Emeko, HA, Solomon, BO. Fermentation parameter optimization of microbial oxalic acid production from cashew apple juice. Heliyon 2016;2:e00082. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2016.e00082.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

38. Mandal, SK, Banerjee, PC. Submerged production of oxalic acid from glucose by immobilized Aspergillus niger. Process Biochem 2005;40:1605–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2004.06.013.Search in Google Scholar

39. Yang, L, Lübeck, M, Lübeck, PS. Deletion of glucose oxidase changes the pattern of organic acid production in Aspergillus carbonarius. Amb Express 2014;4:54. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13568-014-0054-7.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

40. Li, Z, Bai, T, Dai, L, Wang, F, Tao, J, Meng, S, et al.. A study of organic acid production in contrasts between two phosphate solubilizing fungi: Penicillium oxalicum and Aspergillus niger. Sci Rep 2016;6:25313. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep25313.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

41. Handayani, S, Suratman, S. Production of oxalic acid by Aspergillus niger. Indonesian Min J 2009;12:85–9.Search in Google Scholar

42. Handayani, S. Effects of temperature and nutrient feed on the production of oxalic acid by Aspergillus niger. Indonesian Min J 2011;14:108–14.Search in Google Scholar

43. Bohlmann, JT, Cameselle, C, Nunez, MJ, Lema, JM. Oxalic acid production by Aspergillus niger. Bioprocess Eng 1998;19:337–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/pl00009022.Search in Google Scholar

44. Chioma, DM, Abu, GO, Agwa, OK. Kinetic modelling of oxalic acid production from cassava whey by Aspergillus niger. Curr J Appl Sci Technol 2021;40:18–26. https://doi.org/10.9734/cjast/2021/v40i3131547.Search in Google Scholar

45. Chioma, DM, Agwa, OK. Optimization for oxalic acid production by Aspergillus niger using response surface methodology. J Adv Microbiol 2019;17:1–8. https://doi.org/10.9734/jamb/2019/v17i330145.Search in Google Scholar

46. Chioma, DM. Production of oxalic acid by Aspergillus niger using Chlorella vulgaris grown with an industrial effluent as a potential feedstock. Curr Trends Biomed Eng Biosci 2018;16:555928. https://doi.org/10.19080/ctbeb.2018.16.555928.Search in Google Scholar

47. Cameselle, C, Bohlmann, JT, Núñez, MJ, Lema, JM. Oxalic acid production by Aspergillus niger. Bioprocess Eng 1998;19:247–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/pl00009017.Search in Google Scholar

48. Emeko, HA, Olugbogi, AO, Betiku, E. Appraisal of artificial neural network and response surface methodology in modeling and process variable optimization of oxalic acid production from cashew apple juice: a case of surface fermentation. Bioresources 2015;10:2067–82. https://doi.org/10.15376/biores.10.2.2067-2082.Search in Google Scholar

49. Gharieb, MM. Nutritional effects on oxalic acid production and solubilization of gypsum by Aspergillus niger. Mycol Res 2000;104:550–6. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0953756299001707.Search in Google Scholar

50. Hilt, KM, Harrison, JH, Bowers, K. 1207 oxalic acid production by Aspergillus niger when using whey permeate lactose as a carbon source. J Anim Sci 2016;94:580. https://doi.org/10.2527/jam2016-1207.Search in Google Scholar

51. Kobayashi, K, Hattori, T, Honda, Y, Kirimura, K. Oxalic acid production by citric acid-producing Aspergillus niger overexpressing the oxaloacetate hydrolase gene oahA. J Ind Microbiol Biotechnol 2014;41:749–56. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10295-014-1419-2.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

52. Yoshioka, I, Kobayashi, K, Kirimura, K. Overexpression of the gene encoding alternative oxidase for enhanced glucose consumption in oxalic acid producing Aspergillus niger expressing oxaloacetate hydrolase gene. J Biosci Bioeng 2020;129:172–6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiosc.2019.08.014.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

53. Mai, HTN, Lee, KM, Choi, SS. Enhanced oxalic acid production from corncob by a methanol-resistant strain of Aspergillus niger using semi solid-state fermentation. Process Biochem 2016;51:9–15. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procbio.2015.11.005.Search in Google Scholar

54. Musial, I, Rymowicz, W, Witkowska, D. Effect of span 20 concentration on oxalic acid production from post-refining fatty acids by Aspergillus niger XP. Chem Pap 2006;60:388–90. https://doi.org/10.2478/s11696-006-0070-4.Search in Google Scholar

55. Strasser, H, Burgstaller, W, Schinner, F. High-yield production of oxalic acid for metal leaching processes by Aspergillus niger. FEMS Microbiol Lett 1994;119:365–70. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1574-6968.1994.tb06914.x.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

56. Brown, K, Harrison, J, Bowers, K. Production of oxalic acid from Aspergillus niger and whey permeate. Water Air Soil Pollut 2018;229:5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-017-3662-4.Search in Google Scholar

57. Gadd, GM, Bahri-Esfahani, J, Li, Q, Rhee, YJ, Wei, Z, Fomina, M, et al.. Oxalate production by fungi: significance in geomycology, biodeterioration and bioremediation. Fungal Biol Rev 2014;28:36–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbr.2014.05.001.Search in Google Scholar

58. Gadd, GM. Fungal Production of citric and oxalic acid: importance in metal speciation, physiology and biogeochemical processes. In: Advances in microbial physiology. The Netherlands: Elsevier; 1999:47–92 pp.10.1016/S0065-2911(08)60165-4Search in Google Scholar PubMed

59. Swain, MR, Ray, RC. Oxalic acid production by Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht and Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat., post-harvest fungal pathogens of yams (Dioscorea rotundata L.) and detoxification by Bacillus subtilis CM1 isolated from culturable cowdung microflora. Arch Phytopathol Plant Protect 2009;42:666–75. https://doi.org/10.1080/03235400701288444.Search in Google Scholar

60. Mandal, SK, Banerjee, PC. Iron leaching from China clay with oxalic acid: effect of different physico-chemical parameters. Int J Miner Process 2004;74:263–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2004.01.004.Search in Google Scholar

61. Mendes, GO, Dyer, T, Csetenyi, L, Gadd, GM. Rock phosphate solubilization by abiotic and fungal produced oxalic acid: reaction parameters and bioleaching potential. Microb Biotechnol 2022;15:1189–202. https://doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.13792.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

62. Anwar, R, Gull, S, Nafees, M, Amin, M, Hussain, Z, Khan, AS, et al.. Pre-harvest foliar application of oxalic acid improves strawberry plant growth and fruit quality. J Hortic Sci Technol 2018;1:35–41. https://doi.org/10.46653/jhst180101035.Search in Google Scholar

63. Hossain, MS, Ramachandraiah, K, Hasan, R, Chowdhury, RI, Kanan, KA, Ahmed, S, et al.. Application of oxalic acid and 1-Methylcyclopropane (1-Mcp) with low and high-density polyethylene on post-harvest storage of litchi fruit. Sustainability 2021;13:3703. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073703.Search in Google Scholar

64. Mtui, GYS. Oxalic acid pretreatment, fungal enzymatic saccharification and fermentation of maize residues to ethanol. Afr J Biotechnol 2012;11:843–51.10.5897/AJB11.3032Search in Google Scholar

65. Ramaiah, SK, Thimappa, GS, Nataraj, LK, Dasgupta, P. Optimization of oxalic acid pre-treatment and enzymatic saccharification in Typha latifolia for production of reducing sugar. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2020;18:28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43141-020-00042-w.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

66. Sar, T, Arifa, VH, Hilmy, MR, Ferreira, JA, Wikandari, R, Millati, R, et al.. Organosolv pretreatment of oat husk using oxalic acid as an alternative organic acid and its potential applications in biorefinery. Biomass Conv Bioref 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-022-02408-1. In press.Search in Google Scholar

67. Yadav, M, Sehrawat, N, Sharma, AK, Kumar, S, Singh, R, Kumar, A, et al.. Synbiotics as potent functional food: recent updates on therapeutic potential and mechanistic insight. J Food Sci Technol 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-022-05621-y. In press.Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central

68. Mahto, RB, Yadav, M, Muthuraj, M, Sharma, AK, Bhunia, B. Biochemical properties and application of a novel pectinase from a mutant strain of Bacillus subtilis. Biomass Conv Bioref 2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13399-021-02225-y. In press.Search in Google Scholar

69. Yadav, M, Sehrawat, N, Sharma, AK, Kumar, V, Kumar, A. Naringinase: microbial sources, production and applications in food processing industry. J Microbiol Biotechnol Food Sci 2018;8:717–20. https://doi.org/10.15414/jmbfs.2018.8.1.717-720.Search in Google Scholar

70. Singh, RS, Yadav, M. Single-step purification and characterization of recombinant aspartase of Aeromonas media NFB-5. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2012;167:991–1001. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-012-9589-8.Search in Google Scholar PubMed

71. Yadav, M, Sehrawat, N, Kumar, S, Sharma, A, Singh, M, Kumar, A. Malic acid: fermentative production and applications. Phys Sci Rev 2022. https://doi.org/10.1515/psr-2022-0165. In press.Search in Google Scholar

Received: 2022-11-19
Accepted: 2023-01-13
Published Online: 2023-02-13

© 2023 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston

Articles in the same Issue

  1. Frontmatter
  2. Reviews
  3. Topology and applications of 2D Dirac and semi-Dirac materials
  4. Landscape ecological modeling to identify ecologically significant regions in Tumkur district, Karnataka
  5. Surfactants-surface active agents behind sustainable living
  6. Ecological footprint of poultry production and effect of environment on poultry genes
  7. Fluoride in water, health implications and plant-based remediation strategies
  8. Poultry nutrition
  9. Synthesis of N-containing heterocycles in water
  10. Inorganic nanoparticles promoted synthesis of heterocycles
  11. The role of analytical chemistry in poultry science
  12. Antibiotics in avian care and husbandry-status and alternative antimicrobials
  13. Removal of heavy metals from wastewater using synthetic chelating agents
  14. Azadirachtin in the aquatic environment: Fate and effects on non-target fauna
  15. Intensification of bioprocesses with filamentous microorganisms
  16. The science of genetically modified poultry
  17. Emerging in ovo technologies in poultry production and the re-discovered chicken model in preclinical research
  18. The Cambridge structural database (CSD): important resources for teaching concepts in structural chemistry and intermolecular interactions
  19. Microbial production of lactic acid using organic wastes as low-cost substrates
  20. Oxalic acid: recent developments for cost-effective microbial production
  21. Immobilization of α-amylase from Aspergillus fumigatus using adsorption method onto zeolite
  22. A comparative assessment of potentially harmful metals in the Lagos Lagoon and Ogun river catchment
  23. Formulation of a herbal topical cream against Tinea capitis using flavonoids glycosides from Dicerocaryum senecioides and Diospyros mespiliformis
  24. Biodegradable polymers – research and applications
  25. Adsorption of trichloroacetic acid from drinking water using polyethylene terephthalate waste carbon and periwinkle shells–based chitosan
  26. The vital use of isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions (MCR) in chemical synthesis
  27. Pine bark crosslinked to cyclodextrin for the adsorption of 2-nitrophenol from an aqueous solution
  28. Computational study of propene selectivity and yield in the dehydrogenation of propane via process simulation approach
  29. A mini review on the prospects of Fagara zanthoxyloides extract based composites: a remedy for COVID-19 and associated replica?
  30. Physicochemical assessment and insilico studies on the interaction of 5-HT2c receptor with herbal medication bioactive compounds used in the treatment of premature ejaculation
  31. Horse chestnut thermoplastic starch nanocomposite films reinforced with nanocellulose
  32. Rice thermoplastic starch nanocomposite films reinforced with nanocellulose
Downloaded on 25.12.2025 from https://www.degruyterbrill.com/document/doi/10.1515/psr-2022-0167/pdf
Scroll to top button