Enhanced α-ketoglutaric acid production in Yarrowia lipolytica WSH-Z06 by an improved integrated fed-batch strategy

► A lower pH (3.0) could accelerate α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) synthesis. ► A two-stage pH control strategy was developed to enhance α-KG production. ► Constant feeding based on pH control improved α-KG concentration to 66.2 g L−1.