What is Fumaric Acid?

Fumaric acid is an organic compound that is widely used in the chemical industry. It is a white, crystalline, unsaturated dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally in certain plants.

Production and Sources
It was first isolated from fumitory plant species, which is where it derives its name. However, industrial production is now primarily via fermentation. The starting material is glucose which is fermented by microorganisms like Rhizopus species to produce it in high yields. Alternatively, it can also be synthesized from maleic anhydride in a hydration reaction.

Uses in Food Industry
As it is non-toxic and metabolized naturally in the body, Fumaric Acid has found many applications in the food industry. It is approved as a food additive by regulatory bodies worldwide. It is commonly used as an acidulant to impart a tart or sour taste in foods and beverages. It serves to balance sweetness in candy, juices and bakery products. It helps extend the shelf life of products by preventing microbial growth. It is also used as a leavening agent in baked goods to produce carbon dioxide. With a mild flavor, it is a popular substitute for citric acid in various food preparations.

Applications in Animal Feed
Besides being used as a feed acidifier, it also has prebiotic properties beneficial for animals. It selectively promotes the proliferation of beneficial microbes in the gut while inhibiting pathogens. This improved gut health leads to better nutrient absorption and performance of production animals. It is fed to poultry, swine and ruminants as a feed additive to enhance growth and efficiency of feed utilization. Studies show fumaric acid supplementation enhances immunity and disease resistance in animals. It serves as an alternative to in-feed antibiotics in commercial livestock production.

Role in Industrial Processes
The chemically versatile fumaric acid has wide usage as an intermediate in chemical synthesis. It undergoes addition reactions due to the presence of a double bond between the carboxylic acid groups. It is an important precursor to resins like alkyd and polyester resins used for paints and coatings. As a reactant with urea, it is involved in the manufacture of unsaturated polyester resins as well. Its esters are employed as plasticizers to impart flexibility to PVC products. It is also utilized to produce innovative materials like polyfumarate biopolymers serving various industrial applications.

Medical Uses
Its esters have emerged as oral treatments for psoriasis and other autoimmune skin diseases. They reduce inflammation and regulate the immune system response. It derived drug dimethyl fumarate is used to treat multiple sclerosis and exhibits neuroprotective effects. Topical formulations are a preferred alternative to corticosteroids in treating skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis. As an antibacterial and antifungal agent, it is present in various antiseptic creams and ointments applied on cuts, burns and wounds. Studies also suggest its potential benefits in managing obesity, diabetes and cancer.

Green Industrial Applications
With rising environmental concerns, renewable sourced fumaric acid is increasingly preferred over pthalate based plasticizers. Fumaric acid based polyesters are valued for their biodegradability and replace conventional petroleum sourced polymers in disposable items like food packaging. Researchers worldwide are developing ingenious hybrid materials by incorporating it in biopolymers such as polyhydroxyalkanoates and polylactic acid. Several countries have mandated the use of ecofriendly fumarate esters in wallpaper adhesives and flooring due to low VOC emissions. The production of 'green fumaric acid' by fermentation further enhances its sustainable credentials for new age applications.

With wide utility across industrial, medical and food domains, market is experiencing consistent growth globally. Its diverse applications are a result of its unique reactivity both as an acid and as an unsaturated compound. Advancements in fermentation technology are increasing worldwide supply to cater myriad end uses. The emergence of novel applications such as prebiotics and natural plant boosters continue to expand its industrial importance. With sustainable green credentials, this versatile organic acid is well positioned to realize untapped potential going forward.

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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc.

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