Researchers at the Agile BioFoundry (ABF) and the Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU), have successfully scaled up a bio-based process that converts ethanol into a valuable precursor for consumer products, such as paints, coatings, and diapers. The researchers worked with industry partner, Industrial Microbes, to develop the process.
The scaled up process produces poly(3-hydroxypropionate) or P3HP, a precursor to acrylic acid, widely used across the consumer product industry. Though acrylic aid is typically sourced from petroleum, Industrial Microbes is developing a sustainable, bio-based process for producing it. The company sought the expertise and equipment available at the ABF and ABPDU to help them scale up their process.
The collaboration achieved a 300-liter scale production of P3HP. Now, Industrial Microbes has a product sample that they can use in application testing and for working with commercial producers. “This partnership is accelerating the validation of both the scientific and the production conditions for our solutions, opening up the door to commercial partnerships for low-carbon footprint products,” said Industrial Microbes CEO Noah Helman. “At a time when bio-based products are seeing growing traction, the support from the ABF and ABPDU helped us get ahead of the curve.”
Read more about ABF’s and ABPDU’s research collaboration with Industrial Microbes.
