This project aims to gain insights into the mechanism for producing L-lactis acid by Lactobacillus rhamnosus. To this end, the genome of the L-lactic acid producing strain will be re-sequenced, by which the molecular basis responsible for the bioconversion process under different physiological conditions will be understood, and the molecular mechanism for over-producing L-lactic acid will be revealed on a genomic level. Environmental adaptation mechanisms and stress response mechanisms will be elucidated to identify functional genes that can be used as targets for constructive, inverse, and evolutionary metabolic engineering. This will resulted in an improved production of L-lactic acid by L. rhamnosus, leading to a breakthrough in the low-cost, high quality production of L-lactic acid which is then used for the production of polylactate.
