Synthetic Biology in Energy Industry
Synthetic biology is a transformative field that blends biology, engineering, and computer science to design and build new biological parts, devices, and systems. In the energy industry, synthetic biology is paving the way for the sustainable production of important chemicals and materials from renewable resources, significantly reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon footprints. We utilize state-of-the-art synthetic biology techniques to produce key compounds such as succinic acid, 1,3-propanediol and L-alanine. These products are critical for a variety of applications in the energy sector, helping to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Synthetic biology as driver for the biologization of materials sciences (O. Burgos-Morales, et al., 2021)
Product Applications
The table below lists our synthetic biology products for use in the energy industry, including product names, application descriptions and synthesis methods. These products are synthesized through various methods involving genetically engineered microorganisms to convert biomass into valuable chemicals and fuels, making them relevant for applications in the energy industry.
| Products | Applications | Pathways/Technologies |
|---|---|---|
| Succinic acid | Succinic Acid is a highly versatile compound that serves as a precursor for biofuels, green solvents, and bioplastics. By replacing petroleum-derived chemicals, Succinic Acid significantly reduces environmental impact and promotes the use of renewable resources. It is integral in the production of resins, coatings, and plastics, making it a cornerstone of sustainable chemical manufacturing. | Fermentation of sugars using engineered bacteria or yeast (e.g., Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum). |
| 1,3-Propanediol | 1,3-Propanediol is essential in the creation of bio-based polymers such as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT). These polymers are used extensively in textiles, resins, and automotive applications. Additionally, 1,3-Propanediol is a key component in the formulation of industrial solvents and antifreeze, supporting the renewable chemical industry and enhancing the environmental sustainability of various products. | Fermentation of glycerol using engineered microorganisms (e.g., Klebsiella pneumoniae, Clostridium butyricum). |
| L-Alanine | L-Alanine is gaining recognition as a potential biofuel additive due to its ability to improve the combustion properties of biofuels. Beyond its role in energy production, L-Alanine is also utilized in the synthesis of biodegradable plastics and other sustainable materials, contributing to the development of eco-friendly products and reducing dependency on non-renewable resources. | Fermentation using genetically modified microorganisms (e.g., Corynebacterium glutamicum, Escherichia coli). |
Case Study
The direct C-O hydrogenolysis of bioglycerine to selectively produce 1,3-propanediol is a crucial technology with the potential to enhance the biodiesel industry and facilitate green chemical production from biomass. This case introduced sulphuric acid-activated montmorillonite clay supported platinum nanoparticles as highly efficient solid acid catalysts for this process. The catalytic performances of these catalysts were evaluated in glycerol hydrogenolysis using a fixed bed reactor under ambient pressure conditions. Promising results revealed that the activation of montmorillonite by sulphuric acid introduced Brønsted acidity in the catalyst, significantly enhancing the selectivity towards 1,3-propanediol. Among various platinum loaded catalysts examined, the 2 wt% Pt/S-MMT catalyst exhibited superior activity, achieving 62% selectivity for 1,3-propanediol at 94% glycerol conversion. Further investigation of the 2Pt/S-MMT catalyst involved optimizing reaction parameters such as temperature, hydrogen flow rate, glycerol concentration, weight hourly space velocity, and contact time to determine the optimal conditions for the reaction. Additionally, the study explored catalyst stability, reusability, and structure-activity relationships. The exceptional performance of the catalyst was attributed to well-dispersed Pt nanoparticles immobilized on acid-activated montmorillonite, coupled with the catalyst's wider pore structure and suitable acid sites.
Catalysts investigated for glycerol hydrogenolysis to 1,3-PDO in literature (Shanthi Priya Samudrala, et al., 2018)
FAQs
These FAQs provide a comprehensive understanding of our synthetic biology products and their applications in the energy industry, helping potential customers make informed decisions.
A: Synthetic biology enables the production of bio-based chemicals and fuels from renewable resources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. It allows for the creation of sustainable materials and energy solutions that are environmentally friendly.
A: Succinic Acid is used as a precursor for biofuels, green solvents, and bioplastics. It replaces petroleum-based chemicals in the production of resins, coatings, and plastics, promoting the use of renewable resources.
A: 1,3-Propanediol is utilized in the production of bio-based polymers such as polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT), which is used in textiles, resins, and automotive applications. It is also a key component in industrial solvents and antifreeze.
A: L-Alanine is a potential biofuel additive that improves the combustion properties of biofuels. It is also used in the synthesis of biodegradable plastics and other sustainable materials, contributing to the development of eco-friendly products.
A: Succinic Acid is produced through the fermentation of sugars using engineered bacteria or yeast, such as Escherichia coli or Corynebacterium glutamicum. These microorganisms are genetically modified to enhance the production from biomass feedstocks.
A: 1,3-Propanediol is synthesized through the fermentation of glycerol using engineered microorganisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae or Clostridium butyricum. These strains are optimized to convert glycerol, a byproduct of biodiesel production, into 1,3-Propanediol.
A: L-Alanine is produced using genetically modified microorganisms such as Corynebacterium glutamicum or Escherichia coli. These strains are engineered to increase the yield of L-Alanine from renewable biomass sources.
A: Our products are derived from renewable resources, reducing environmental impact. We utilize advanced synthetic biology techniques to ensure high efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Our rigorous quality control processes guarantee consistent, high-quality products, and we offer exceptional customer support and partnership opportunities.
A: For more information or to place an order, you can make an inquiry via the web, contact our sales team at info@biosynsis.com, or visit the product pages on our website. Our team is ready to help you with any questions or requests you have.
Reference
- Samudrala, S.P., et al. Turning Biodiesel Waste Glycerol into 1,3-Propanediol: Catalytic Performance of Sulphuric acid-Activated Montmorillonite Supported Platinum Catalysts in Glycerol Hydrogenolysis. Sci Rep 8, 7484 (2018).