Redefining biofuel production with exozymes

We are driving the future of renewable energy by providing a transformative approach to biofuel production, compared to existing methods of sustainable biofuels.

The ability of exozymes to process diverse feedstocks and reach higher yields, lower energy consumption, and reduce the carbon footprint, positions them as a critical technology for meeting the growing global demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Isobutanol: A sustainable energy solution

Isobutanol is central to our efforts to transform renewable feedstocks into high-value biofuels. Produced using our exozyme-driven processes, it offers exceptional efficiency and sustainability by operating outside traditional cell-based systems. This results in higher yields, lower energy usage, and minimal waste.

Applications of isobutanol include:

SAF Production: Acting as a key intermediate in the synthesis of low-carbon jet fuel.
Chemical Precursor: Providing a renewable base for bioplastics and other materials.
Fuel Additive: Enhancing gasoline performance while lowering emissions.

Our current focus lies in the sustainable production of isobutanol and its critical role in creating Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), enabling cleaner, greener energy solutions that significantly reduce carbon emissions.

How exozymes compare to existing biofuel production methods

	Existing methods	Exozymes
Efficiency and Yield	Rely on microbial fermentation with lower yields due to substrate diversion and product inhibition. Require optimization for acceptable yields.	Operate in an optimized, cell-free environment. Allow near-theoretical yields and continuous operation without cellular stress.
Scalability and Flexibility	Scaling is challenging due to controlled growth requirements and biological limitations. Often feedstock-dependent.	Enable modular, scalable production. Can operate under extreme conditions, accelerating production and reducing constraints.
Feedstock Versatility	Dependent on specific feedstocks like sugarcane or vegetable oils, which can compete with food supply and have limited availability.	Process diverse feedstocks like sugars, agricultural residues, and waste. Avoids food chain competition.
Energy and Carbon Footprint	High energy requirements for maintaining cellular conditions and pre-treatment steps increase carbon footprint.	Highly efficient with minimized energy inputs. Recycling cofactors reduces waste and carbon intensity.
Cost and Time Efficiency	Significant time and costs required for cell growth and microbial strain optimization. Scaling can take years.	Eliminate cell growth phases, enabling faster cycles. Modular nature reduces scaling costs and capital expenditures.
Product Purity and Compatibility	May require additional purification steps to meet aviation fuel standards. Product variability is a common issue.	Deliver high-purity SAF components due to precise reaction pathways, ensuring compliance with ASTM standards.

Isobutanol is a high-growth market

Isobutanol is a commodity chemical that can replace conventional petroleum-based fuels like gasoline and serves as a precursor to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The global SAF market is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 52.2% to reach $27.4 billion by 2032, according to Acumen Research and Consulting.

Scaling biofuel production through grants

In total, we have been awarded almost $8 million in grants from the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) within the U.S. Department of Energy's (DoE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), as well as the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) BioMADE initiative, to develop a scalable and sustainable exozyme biosolution for isobutanol production.

Next milestone: 100L pilot-scale facility

The latest grant from BioMADE will be used to take the next step toward cell-free biomanufacturing of isobutanol. Specifically, it will be used to develop an enzyme production and processing pipeline and deploy our technology in 100L pilot-scale facilities.

“The next five to ten years will determine the global leader of the bioeconomy. At BioMADE, we believe the U.S. is uniquely positioned to seize this opportunity,” said Dr. Douglas Friedman, Chief Executive Officer at BioMADE. “We are proud to support these member-driven projects that will translate our country’s rich history of biotechnology innovation into manufacturing leadership. All Americans will benefit from investments in America’s bioindustrial manufacturing future.”  

This BioMADE initiative has the potential to mark the beginning of a new era in sustainable biofuel production, bringing us closer to a greener, more efficient future.