Imagine using tiny biological machines to build chemicals, but most of these machines can't handle the toughest jobs. This project unlocks a rare group of 'heavy-metal' enzymes that can perform high-energy reactions usually requiring harsh chemicals. By teaching common bacteria how to build these specialized tools, we can make green chemistry much more powerful.
Industrial biotechnology is limited by a small number of available enzyme classes, making certain low-redox reduction reactions too expensive or impossible to perform at scale.
A new W-cofactor biosynthesis pathway for E. coli and a hydrogen-driven process to produce oleyl oleate in multi-gram yields.
If you are a cosmetic brand dealing with unsustainable ingredient sourcing — this project developed a hydrogen-driven process to convert plant-derived oleic acid into oleyl oleate. This allows for the production of a common emollient used by millions of people via a sustainable biological route.
If you are a chemical plant dealing with energy-intensive Birch reductions of aromatic compounds — this project developed W-enzymes that can perform these challenging low redox potential reactions. This replaces harsh industrial processes with a safer, biocatalytic alternative.
If you are a green tech company dealing with the difficulty of converting CO2 into usable products — this project developed a way to use W-enzymes for biocatalytic CO2 reduction. This transforms a waste gas into valuable chemicals using biological catalysts.
Based on available project data, specific cost figures are not provided, but the project aims to make W-enzymes obtainable economically and on scale to match industrial needs.
Yes, the project intends to demonstrate a proof-of-concept process in multi-gram yield using scalable, industrially-relevant hydrogenation reactors.
Based on available project data, the project includes market research to address a pathway to commercialisation, though specific licensing terms are not listed.
The project runs from 2024-02-01 to 2028-01-31, suggesting that commercial readiness will be evaluated toward the end of this period.
The technology focuses on using E. coli as an industrial workhorse to produce enzymes, which are then implemented in hydrogenation reactors.
The consortium consists of 7 partners across 6 countries, showing a strong international research base. With 5 universities and 2 SMEs, the industry ratio is 29%, indicating a transition from academic discovery toward commercial application, led by the Technische Universiteit Delft.
Contact the Technical University of Delft (TU Delft) regarding the W-BioCat project.
Contact us to identify potential licensing opportunities for W-enzyme technology.
