CONVERSION OF HEXURONIC ACID TO HEXARIC ACID

摘要

The present invention relates to a method and microbial host strain for converting a hexuronic acid to a hexaric acid. In particular, the invention relates to the con- version of D-galacturonic acid to meso-galactaric acid (mucic acid). The invention also concerns an isolated nucleotide sequence. According to the present method a microbial host strain genetically modified to express uronate dehydrogenase enzyme (EC 1.1.1.203)is contacted with a biomaterial comprising hexuronic acid and the conversion products are recovered. By using the recombinant microorganisms of the present invention it is possible to treat biomaterials comprising hexuronic acids and thereby decrease the amount of hexuronic acids released to the environment.