Genomatica hits ‘milestone’ for bio-based chemicals
Genomatica, a US-based chemical company that uses bio-based manufacturing processes, has announced improved results from its integrated biotechnology platform.
It has leveraged a platform to create microorganisms that achieved a ‘titer’ (concentration of product) of over 50 grams per litre for one of its programs in less than half the time required by an earlier programme.
“This level is a relevant milestone on the path toward a commercial process and highlights one of the major aspects of the platform – its ability to rapidly engineer microorganisms to produce chemicals that may not be naturally produced by a chosen microbe,” said the company.
Genomatica’s first commercial process, GENO BDO, has produced thousands of tons of BDO and been licensed by BASF and Novamont. Firms that have validated quality or expressed commercialisation plans include Invista, DSM, Lanxess, Toray and Far Eastern New Century.
“Our biotechnology platform enabled us to deliver a commercial process for BDO in only five years, even though we were still establishing some of the key elements back then,” said Mark Burk, chief technology officer.
“Now, we have more thoroughly integrated our computational and experimental capabilities, especially with regard to certain high-throughput and precision experimentation technologies. This puts us in a position to take full advantage of our platform for butadiene and nylon intermediates and beyond.
"Pragmatically, a good technology platform should drive down cost and timelines to commercialisation. We intend to put our proven asset to good use as we work with industry partners to develop and commercialise processes for additional chemicals.”
