Experimental investigations were carried out on continuous and direct production of l-glutamic acid in a hybrid reactor system that integrated a conventional fermentative production step with downstream membrane-based separation and purification in flat sheet cross-flow membrane modules. To ensure constant fermentor capacity, the system was operated at steady state at different set flux values ranging from 76 L m(-2) h(-1) to 90 L m(-2) h(-1) at a dilution rate of 0.15 h(-1). Overcoming the substrate-product inhibitions of traditional batch production system, this new, compact, flexible, and largely fouling-free design ensured steady and continuous production of l-glutamic acid directly from a renewable carbon source at the rate of about 8.4 g L-1 h(-1). Provisions of continuous product withdrawal, separation, and recycling of unconverted sugar and microbial cells ensured almost inhibition-free production under high cell concentration. Well-screened nanofiltration membranes with high selectivity helped achieve over 97% product purity while ensuring recovery and recycle of more than 95% unconverted carbon source resulting in a high yield of 0.95 g g(-1). The direct production scheme involves no phase change and use of harsh chemicals. The study presents development of a green process of glutamic acid production for sustainable business.