Resilient Domestic Feedstocks for the U.S. Precision Fermentation Industry

Member: Checkerspot

Project dates: 2026 – present

This project will improve domestic bioindustrial manufacturing outcomes and increase its competitiveness through enhanced Life Cycle Assessments (LCA). LCA will be used to compare conventionally produced dextrose (from corn and wheat), sucrose (from sugarcane and beets), and lactose (from whey permeate) against less resource intensive and more resiliently produced versions of the same sugars. The impacts of each fermentation feedstock will then be used to evaluate the performance of two bioproducts, algal oil and algal powder, which can be used as standalone products or within multi-ingredient formulations such as nutritional oils and palm oil replacements. 

By evaluating different aspects of feedstock production, frequently not prioritized due to the price and widespread availability of global commodities, this project seeks to improve the long-term viability of an advanced domestic biomanufacturing industry while improving supply chain resilience, traceability, and markets for American-grown crops. Using accurate LCA data will allow BioMADE members to benchmark and compare the performance of their sugar feedstock(s) (e.g., glucose, sucrose, lactose) to better understand the impact on their own finished products. 

Funding source: U.S. Department of Defense