Dow Chemical Company and OPX Biotechnologies, Inc. (OPXBIO) announce that they are collaborating to scale up OPXBIO’s process for synthesis of bio-based acrylic acid. This would be a drop-in replacement for the chemical rather than a similar substitute.
Pat Gottschalk, business director and vice president, Dow Performance Monomers.
OPXBIO developed a way to convert sugars to acrylic acid via fermentation and DOW is now using its know-how for producing acrylic acid and esters to scale up the process. This process was found by independent LCA consultants Symbiotic Engineering to have carbon emissions 70% lower than the conventional acrylic acid synthesis from petrochemicals. OPXBIO has expertise in developing strains of microorganisms for fermentation in this area which it will contribute using its EDGE (efficiency directed genome engineering) platform. EDGE is a technology which has allowed OPXBIO to accelerate the rate at which it can develop strains for industrial application. If this joint process development succeeds, bio-based acrylic acid could be sold on the market within three to five years.
Pat Gottschalk, business director and vice president, Dow Performance Monomers.
“Dow is interested in bio-based products that are economically competitive to petrochemical-based products with equal or advantaged performance qualities. Through the use of innovative technologies and sustainable raw materials, this project may enable Dow to diversify its product offerings for customers.”
OPXBIO developed a way to convert sugars to acrylic acid via fermentation and DOW is now using its know-how for producing acrylic acid and esters to scale up the process. This process was found by independent LCA consultants Symbiotic Engineering to have carbon emissions 70% lower than the conventional acrylic acid synthesis from petrochemicals. OPXBIO has expertise in developing strains of microorganisms for fermentation in this area which it will contribute using its EDGE (efficiency directed genome engineering) platform. EDGE is a technology which has allowed OPXBIO to accelerate the rate at which it can develop strains for industrial application. If this joint process development succeeds, bio-based acrylic acid could be sold on the market within three to five years.
Acrylic acid is chemical used in a variety of applications, with global production exceeding a billion kilograms a year and a market value of $8bn a year, growing 4% a year. It is used to manufacture a range of esters which are used in the flavors and fragrances industry and it also used widely in the polymers industry to produce a range of co-polymers, plastics, adhesives and elastomers. Polyacrylic acid is able to absorb large amounts of water relative to its weight; therefore it is often used in products such as disposable diapers. It is also used to prevent scale build up in circulating cool water systems in a range of industries.
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