Big business trends
big player
Benson Hill divests its soybean processing plant to transition to an asset-light business model.
Yield10 accelerates commercialization of omega-3 camelina projects.
Scotbio develops phycocyanin cultivation and purification systems.
Verb Biotics has partnered with Evogene to develop characterised microbial metabolites.
Pivot Bio and Iowa State University have partnered to establish the Center of Advanced for Sustainable Agriculture.
Mitsubishi Chemical introduces a new bio-based resin.
Kraig collaborates to speed up the production of spider silk protein fibers.
Sway develops bio-based thermoplastic seaweed resins.
Henkel and Covestro have developed bio-based adhesives for load-bearing wood structures.
China Post purchased biodegradable plastic packaging bags for 90 million yuan.
LG Chem and CJ develop bio-based nylon.
Planetary has partnered with Konica Minolta to optimize microbial fermentation with sensors + AI to reduce the cost of fermented proteins.
Agplenus and Bayer develop an AI-based solution for sustainable weed control.
Osmo uses AI technology to develop aroma molecules.
Superbrewed has partnered with D hler to develop bio-fermented proteins.
Luculent has joined hands with PetroChina to deploy sustainable biofuels.
Evonik launches vegan collagen based on biotechnology.
GEA invests 18 million euros in the establishment of an alternative protein technology center.
02 Major Enterprise Trends
#Gene editing
Benson Hill divests its soybean processing plant to transition to an asset-light business model.
Feb. 14, Benson HillStripping soybean processing planttowardAsset-light business modelTransformation. White River Soy Processing, a U.S.-based oilseed processing plant developer and operator, has acquired Benson Hill Ingredients, a subsidiary of Benson Hill, which operates an established business in Creston, IowaFood-grade soybean processing plant。Benson Hill aims to strengthen its focus on core growth areas while repaying its senior convertible debt earlier than planned, and these actions are consistent with Benson Hill's commitment to rigorous liquidity management and asset efficiency as it transitions to an asset-light business model backed by world-class soybean germplasm and competitive technologies. After the closing of the transaction, the Creston plant will be about55 employeesAs an employee of White River, the plant will continue to operate seamlessly, meeting contractual obligations to customers at both ends of the value chain, from farmers to protein consumers. The Creston plant processes non-GMO and GMO soybeans to produce soybean meal, soybean white flakes, flour, soybean grits and soybean oil, for domestic and global markets, as food and feed ingredients, as well as raw materials for the production of concentrated beans, isolate beans and textured soy protein products.
#Gene editing
Yield10 accelerates commercialization of omega-3 camelina projects.
Gene-edited agri-biotech company Yield10 Bioscience has taken strategic decisions to prioritize execution in 2024 with the aim of accelerating and advancingOmega-3 camelina projectTowards commercialization activities, the company has completed the out-of-season production of Omega-3E PA 8 Camelina in Chile, which produces omega-3 oil in fishEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).Ingredients. The company has expanded its genetic engineering-based development in 2023EPA8 camelina seed productionand executed the regulatory program and also signed a letter of intent with Biomar to establish a reliable and scalable source of EPA and DHA oil as high qualityAquafeedingredients, and continue to implement the seed amplification and regulatory program. In 2024, we will continue to work on the commercialization of omega-3 camelina.
#Synthetic biology
Scotbio develops phycocyanin cultivation and purification systems.
Developed by the bio-dye company ScotbioPhycocyanin cultivationwithPurification system, based on algae developmentNatural colorsPlant-based proteinandReagents, integrating one for engineering designA molecular toolbox of cyanobacteriaand further explore the potential application range of microalgae. The company's patented production method enables cultivation under GMP conditions in a closed bioreactor in a custom manufacturing facilitySpirulina。The company focuses on the food, beverage, nutraceutical, textile, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries to produce natural and clean ingredients, and grows algae in an indoor enclosed bioreactor, which is used to produce spirulina, including natural blue pigmentAll-natural colorantsPlant-based proteinwithNutraceuticals
#Microorganisms
Verb Biotics has partnered with Evogene to develop characterised microbial metabolites.
Ginkgo subsidiary Verb Biotics and Israeli computational biology company Evogene have teamed up to develop the new oneProbiotic strains, the production of advanced characteristicsMicrobial metabolites, implementationPrecision HealthThe financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The collaboration will leverage Evogene's MicroBoost AI technology engine and Verb Biotics' extensive knowledge in the microbiome to identify and enhance currently unknownMicrobial genetic pathwaysto support the generation of novel metabolites, simplify innovation pathways and reduce risk, prioritizingFeature firstThe method to achieveOptimal microbiome health
#Microorganisms
Pivot Bio and Iowa State University have partnered to establish the Center of Advanced for Sustainable Agriculture.
Microbial nitrogen solutions provider Pivot Bio was established in partnership with Iowa State UniversityCentre of Excellence for Sustainable Agriculture, which is intended to developMicrobial nitrogen solutionsto reduce farmers' reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Pivot Bio, in partnership with the ISU Research Park and Story Construction, invested$14 millionRealize this vision. The center will support work on agronomic equipment, including manual training and calibration of seed treatment equipment, to support the company's expanding scale. The center is not only a commercial hub for the company's microbial nitrogen products, but also an educational and collaborative link for farmers, researchers, and industry experts.
#Bio-based new materials
Mitsubishi Chemical introduces a new bio-based resin.
Chemical giant Mitsubishi Chemical has released a new biodegradableBio-polyester resins (SA916N and SA916F)., also announced its developmentBio-based engineering plastic durabioThis product is the first to be obtained in the Japanese market for the production of toothbrush handles for the Sunstar GroupBiomass Plastic Mark CertificationThis is the first time that durabio plastic has been used on toothbrushes. Durabio is a type of madeIsosorbide, a renewable plant-derived raw materialThe resulting bioengineered plastic has excellent impact and scratch resistance and can be used in automotive interior and exterior parts, optical and electronic device components, and everyday clutter.
#Bio-based new materials
Kraig collaborates to speed up the production of spider silk protein fibers.
On February 13, Kraig Biocraft Laboratories (KRAIG) was established in Lam Dong Province, VietnamNewly reconstituted spider silk production center, which aims to accelerate the company's spider silk production in 2024 and become a distribution and collection center for the final reconstituted spider silk fibers, yarns and fabrics. At the same time, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnam Sericulture Association and the Lam Dong Agriculture and Forestry Research and Experimental Center to jointly promote the development of sericulture in Vietnam. Kraig got the generalPatented gene sequenceUsed for a variety of purposesBasic spider silk proteinsThe exclusive rights were developed through cooperation with leading universities using genetic engineering techniquesSilkworms can produce genetically modified spider silk。The main product of KRAIG is a product known as:dragon silk™ofGenetically engineered spider silk, made up of a unique combination of spider silk proteins and silk proteins, these genetically modified spider silks are stronger and more flexible than commercial-grade spider silk.
#Bio-based new materials
Sway develops bio-based thermoplastic seaweed resins.
Recycled alternatives to plastic packagingStart-up Sway, developedThermoplastic seaweed resin (TPSEA)., a home-compostable material made from seaweed and plants, is the first to be replaced on a large scale with seaweedFlexible plastics。Sway was previously completed$5 million in seed financingThe injection will accelerate the production and adoption of a seaweed-based product portfolio for beauty, fashion, food and home goods brands.
#Bio-based new materials
Henkel and Covestro have developed bio-based adhesives for load-bearing wood structures.
German chemical company Henkel and materials manufacturer Covestro have joined forces to develop sustainabilityBio-based adhesives for load-bearing wood structures, applied to:Cross-laminated timber (CLT).orGlued laminated timber (GLT).and other elements. Among them, Covestro provides Henkel with a mass balance approachBio-based polyurethane raw materials, which Henkel uses for high-performance adhesive solutions. Both companies attach great importance to sustainable development and the promotion of a circular economy, expanding their raw material base through bio-based or ** solutions.
#Bio-based new materials
China Post purchased biodegradable plastic packaging bags for 90 million yuan.
On February 18, CITIC International's bidding was entrusted by China Post GroupBiodegradable plastic packaging bagsThe goods and services under the project (2023) were subject to domestic public bidding, and the scale of this procurement exceeded that90 millionMeta, want to purchaseAvailable in 4 sizesBiodegradable plastic packaging bags, service period1 year
Original link:#Bio-based new materials
LG Chem and CJ develop bio-based nylon.
On February 14, LG Chem signed an agreement with CJ CheilJedang Co., Ltd. to establish the companyJoint venture factoryto produceBio-based nylonThe raw materials are used by CJ CheilJedangCornwithSugar caneand other substances are fermented and generated, relying onMicrobial precision fermentation technologyand the two sides to jointly develop technology productionBio-based nylon raw materialsand polymerize it using LG Chem's technology to produce a finished bio-based nylon.
#AI + biological fermentation
Planetary has partnered with Konica Minolta to optimize microbial fermentation with sensors + AI to reduce the cost of fermented proteins.
On January 15, Swiss microbial fermentation company Planetary entered into a strategic partnership (MOU) with Konica Minolta, a leader in imaging technology, to drive through high-tech data-driven sensors and artificial intelligence technologiesFermented proteinsThe reduction of production costs willCost of Goods Sold (COGS).Lower again。Planetary focuses onMicrobial fermentation technology, capable of producing on an industrial scaleFood ingredientswithBio-based materials；Konica Minolta, known for its imaging and sensing technologies, plans to enter the fermentation field with the aim of disrupting traditional fermentation sensors and introducing new innovations to the market.
#AI technology
Agplenus and Bayer develop an AI-based solution for sustainable weed control.
Evogene subsidiary Agplenus announces the signing of a licensing and cooperation agreement with Bayer AG for developmentSeedswithtraitsCrop protectionwithDigital agriculture solutions, agplenus will use itAI-driven computational modeling techniquesto design and optimize for APTH1 proteinBroad-spectrum herbicidal active molecules。The two companies will collaborate to optimize the new molecule identified by agplenus and tested by Bayer as a commercially viable candidate. The collaboration will leverage Agplenus' proprietary computing technology, powered by Evogene's ChemPass AI technology engine, and Bayer's inCrop protection product researchdevelopmentwithCommercializationExtensive expertise in the field. Bayer will haveExclusive Licensefor the development and commercialization of products developed in collaborations. Agplenus will be entitled to upfront payments, ongoing research funding, milestone payments, and royalties based on future product sales.
#AI technology
Osmo uses AI technology to develop aroma molecules.
Google spin-off company OSMO by usingArtificial intelligence** odor molecules, the first one has been establishedSmell map, structurally ** molecular odors, companies are using this map andArtificial intelligence (AI).to create a new generation of better, safer and greener for the growing fragrance and fragrance marketAromatic molecules。Combining a multidisciplinary approach such as machine learning, data science, psychophysics, olfactory neuroscience, electrical engineering, and chemistry, Osmo aims to create the next generation of aromatic molecules for everyday products such as perfumes, shampoos, lotions, and candles.
#Biological fermentation
Superbrewed has partnered with D hler to develop bio-fermented proteins.
On February 19th, Superbrewed Food and Dhler are working together to produce one on a large scaleNon-GMOVegetativewithAllergen-freeofBio-fermented protein components, which can be substituted or supplemented in food formulationsAnimal and plant proteins。Superbrewed utilizationAnaerobic fermentationThe process of developing natural ingredients, the company has been granted a U.S. patent for itProbiotic proteinsingredient as a "material composition" product, granted to the company 18 years of production, use and commercialization in all formsBacterial biomass proteinsThe market exclusivity, which includes a protein content of at leastof natural, non-GMO and GMO products, which is what makes them available as:Food ingredientsminimum requirements. The partnership will allow Superbrewed Food to rapidly expand its commercial offerings in North America over the next year, primarily in the dairy and alternative dairy segments.
#Biofuels
Luculent has joined hands with PetroChina to deploy sustainable biofuels.
Luculent and PetroChina South China signed the Cooperation Framework Agreement, and the two parties agreed to do soSAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) productsUCO (Industrial Grade Blended Oil).products and other business areas (or through their respective affiliates) to carry out comprehensive cooperation. It mainly includes strengthening business cooperation in SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) products in the future, strengthening business cooperation in UCO (industrial grade blended oil) products, strengthening cooperation in bio-fuel business, continuing to consolidate business cooperation in traditional generation biodiesel, strengthening carbon emission trading cooperation and joint research promotionInvestment cooperation in physical projects
#Alternative proteins
Evonik launches vegan collagen based on biotechnology.
On February 6, Evonik utilizedBiotechnologyCreated a solution designed for skincareVegan collagen, the formula mimics what is found in **Collagenstructure. This vegan alternative offers "superior performance" in anti-aging and moisturizing creams and has been developed in response to the growing demand for vegan collagen for effective enhancementDermisofMiddle layer。By exploitingFermentation technologyEvonik aims to meet ethical and environmental needs with a "controlled" production process and a "low ecological footprint".
#Alternative proteins
GEA invests 18 million euros in the establishment of an alternative protein technology center.
On February 14, GEA Group, a global food processing engineering company, invested in the company18 million eurosEstablished in Wisconsin, USAAlternative Protein Technology Center, committed to promotingPlant-basedFermentation baseCell baseetcAlternative proteinsdevelopment. The center will be a research and development hub for plant-based, microbiological, and cell-cultured foods in response to the growing demand for sustainable food in the U.S. market. Construction of the center is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2024 and is expected to be officially opened in 2025. The facility will lead the way, thanks to the combined efforts of GEA's high-end technology and a group of biotechnology expertsNovel foodsFrom the laboratory to large-scale industrial production. In addition, the center will promote:Biochemistry of the food industryto provide professional training for biotechnology experts. This strategic position heralds the further expansion of GEA's influence in the global food industry and lays the foundation for a sustainable future.
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