Open fermentative production of l-lactic acid by Bacillus sp. strain NL01 using lignocellulosic hydrolyzates as low-cost raw material

► A strategy for production of l-lactic acid with high efficiency is proposed. ► The process was performed by a thermophilic strain from cheap biomass, corn stover. ► The process was under open conditions and using NaOH to maintain a constant pH. ► A relatively high concentration of l-lactic acid was obtained.