Catalyst-based lactic acid process offers biopolymer advance

Lyngby, Denmark – Danisg group Topsøe has developed a process in cooperation with Technical University of Denmark, Department of Chemistry, making it possible to convert carbohydrates from biomass to lactic acid using a catalyst. Lactic acid is used for the production of bio-degradable plastic.

According to Topsøe, the catalyst-based route to lactic acid is unique – as previously, biomass has been converted to lactic acid via fermentation. Using an inorganic catalyst, said the company, will make it possible to produce lactic acid with new and more cost-efficient processes.

The process developed by researchers at Topsøe and DTU Chemistry, mirrors the process seen in biological systems, according to Esben Taarning, who is one of the researchers behind the discovery.

“You may say that the catalyst acts in the same way as bacteria do in the natural fermentation process,” Taarning explained. “By modifying the acidity in catalysts used for oil refining, we may change their catalytic properties, enabling carbohydrates to be converted into lactic acid products. Until now, this form of conversion has been limited to biological systems.”

Lactic acid products may be used for the production of biodegradable plastic and solvents. In the long term these may replace a large part of the chemical products which are produced from fossil resources today.

Topsøe vice president Claus Hviid Christensen said: “In the future, biomass will be the primary building block for the chemical industry. The production of chemicals will create greater value than what is possible today - and at the same time reduce CO2 emissions. So we are already well on the way towards the technology of the future.”