Novozymes develops malic acid-producing fungus

Novozymes has developed a fungus that produces malic acid from renewable raw materials instead of oil. The company is now out-licensing the technology to partners interested in commercialising malic acid.

“This is our first biochemical building block and a major milestone towards building a biochemical industry together with partners,” said Novozymes’ Executive Vice President Thomas Videbæk. “Oil-based products are all around us, and biochemicals produced from renewable raw materials meet a global need for sustainable alternatives. This need is growing due to concerns about crude oil scarcity and price fluctuations.”

Malic acid is often used as a flavour enhancer and can be converted into 1,4-butanediol (BDO), which can be further converted into chemicals including plastics, polymers and resins used in a range of products, from golf balls to printing inks.

Currently, the global market for malic acid is around 60,000 tonnes, with a value of US$130 million and a growth rate of 4% per annum.