In situ extractive fermentation of lactic acid using organic solvents has already been extensively investigated. Now ionic liquids are emerging as alternative solvents for volatile organic compounds traditionally used in liquid-liquid extraction. In this study, we examine whether lactic acid producing-bacteria can grow in the presence of a second phase of imidazolium-based ionic liquids or organic solvents. The lactic acid producing-bacteria used in this study are sensitive to organic solvents having 1

Keywords:ionic liquids;solvent tolerance;lactic acid;extractive fermentation