BASF seeks to transform sugar and CO2 into fumaric acid

In Germany, with the bacterium Basfia succiniciproducens, BASF would like to transform sugar and carbon dioxide into fumaric acid, an important intermediate for chemical production. To this end, the company is collaborating with Saarland University, University of Marburg and the University of Kaiserslautern-Landau in a joint research project entitled FUMBIO (FUMarsäure BIObasiert). The bacterium, which was isolated in 2008 from the rumen of a Holstein cow, will be genetically modified by researchers so that it produces large quantities of bio-based fumaric acid, also known as fumarate, during fermentation. With this intermediate, BASF can make a wide range of products with a low carbon footprint, including additives for food and animal feed, starting materials for medication, or building blocks for polymers and detergents and formulators.