Kalion, Inc., and MIT have developed a microbial fermentation process for the production of glucaric acid. Using a novel biosynthetic pathway, Kalion converts myo-inositol to glucaric acid at nearly 100% yield. Conventional production of glucaric acid is harsh, toxic, and non-selective. Glucaric acid can potentially replace environmentally polluting chemicals, such as phosphate, as a biodegradable, non-toxic, and sugar-derived alternative. This fermentation process produces high-purity, low-cost glucaric acid. Currently, Kalion is replacing phosphate with glucaric acid in phosphate-based water treatment programs, which usually exist to inhibit corrosion. Wastewater from water treatment plants is a known source of phosphate pollution in aquatic ecosystems.
EPA Green Chemistry Challenge: 2019 Small Business Award
Kalion, Inc. and MIT
