Several possible alternatives like an ion exchange
process, adsorption, diffusion dialysis, or reactive
extraction exist for the recovery of lactic acid from
fermentation broth. Among these, reactive extraction
is considered to be an effective separation step for
the recovery of lactic acid from fermentation broth.
Reactive extraction is the separation process using
reaction between extractant and material extracted.
The extractant in the organic phase reacts with material
of the aqueous phase and the reaction complex
formed is solubilised into the organic phase.