Gluconic acid can be obtained by chemical synthesis, on account of its superior selectively; however microbial production is highly preferred. A series of microorganisms under the genus of Aspergillus, Penicillin, Gluconobacter, Pseudomonas, Phytomonas, Achromobacter, Klebsiella, Zymomonas, and Acetobacter have already been used for microbial production of gluconic acid. A yeast-like fungal culture,Aureobasidium pullulans was also known for the production of small amounts of gluconic acid.

For microbial production of gluconic acid, predominantly, Aspergillus niger or Gluconobacter suboxidans are in industrial use. Aspergillus niger is difficult to handle, as it causes clogging and unsuitable for the continuous production. This is mainly due to the drawback that cell growth and gluconic formation would not be possible simultaneously. On the other hand, Gluconobacter has been found to produce a relatively large quantity of keto acids during production. These keto acids complicate the processing and isolation of the pure gluconic acid.

Gluconic acid is a multifunction carbonic acid and it is used extensively in various applications with its physiological and chemical characteristics.

• As a food additive, it acts as an acidity regulator.
• In metal cleaning formulations for rust and stains (mineral deposits) removal on metal surfaces.
• Used in metal finishing baths for aluminum etching and in metal plating processing baths.
• In high-performance metal degreasers.
• In textile industries as stabilizers for dye baths and bleach baths.
• In leather tanning and dyeing processes.
• Mixed in mortar and concrete admixes as a retarder as well as a plasticizer (after neutralization with alkali).

Used as a raw material for the manufacturing of gluconate salts with minerals like Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, and Manganese etc.