Succinic acid is referred to as a "platform chemical" because it can be reacted with other molecules to create several industrial chemicals. The current 10 million lb/year market for synthetic succinic acid is limited due to cost of manufacture. If successful, this project will result in a low-cost succinic acid bioprocess, thereby increasing market potential and helping to move the United States toward greater energy self-sufficiency. Further, the successful outcome of the project will give enormous scope to harness under-utilized crops, such as grain sorghum, as a feedstock.
