Upscaling and Downscaling Purification for a Novel Bioplastic Process 

Member: Industrial Microbes 

This project will use a patented microbe to turn waste materials (carbon dioxide, ethanol, and methane) into a biodegradable plastic and produce enough to test for commercial use. This bioplastic can be used to replace traditional petroleum plastics while consuming fewer resources. It can be used to make acrylic acid or carbon fiber, a high-strength material used to replace steel or aluminum where light weight is important. Acrylic acid is used to make environmentally friendly paints, absorbent diapers, adhesives, and more. The findings from this project will help other companies produce low-cost bioproducts at large scales, including plastic films, carbon fiber, and paints.  

Year launched: 2023 

Funding source: BioMADE Project Call 3.0