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.
Coffee research program set to boost home-grown Aussie brews
The new $4m Australian Coffee Research Program will be running over the next five years to expand...
Vegan dog and cat foods put under the microscope
Dogs and cats can generally digest nutritionally sound plant-based pet food well, according to a...
US outbreak of Cyclospora linked to shredded lettuce
The FDA's investigation of the nationwide outbreak is ongoing after it has identified one...
