Skip to main content

Synthetic Methodology

Application of Genetically Modified Blue-green Algae in Bioethanol Production

Algenol develops blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) to produce ethanol and other fuels in an EPA-certified process. Blue-green algae transforms 80% of absorbed carbon into methanol, reducing the carbon footprint of ethanol and other fuel production. This process reduces costs, water usage, and reliance on crops as feedstock. The growing conditions of blue green-algae are also clean and controlled. Enhanced algae produces high quantities of biomass efficiently, making this process 15-20% time more efficient than producing corn-based ethanol. The overall process also produces minimal waste.

UltraClean BlenD™

The Renewable Energy Group uses a genetically engineered microbial synthesis method to produce different diesel types from biomass, a more sustainable alternative to petroleum-based diesel. Their product is a proprietary fuel that combines renewable diesel and biodiesel. More specifically, their product combines EnDura Fuels™, VelociD™ and PuriD™. Their novel fuel provides excellent lubricity, high Cetane, and low Cloud Point for superior performance. This fuel also has much lower carbon intensity scores than petroleum diesel.

Sustainable Water Treatment and Nutritional Recovery Solutions

Transforms waste from water treatment into granular fertilizers. Ostara uses nutrient recovery technologies called Pearl® and WASSTRIP®. This technology transforms recovered nutrients from waste in water treatment processes into granular fertilizers called Crystal Green®. Crystal Green® consists of sustainably recovered phosphorous, nitrogen, and magnesium in one powerful slow-release granule. This fertilizer increases yields with a continuous release and season-long fertilizer supply, prevents soil tie-up for maximized efficiency, and reduces nutrient runoff.

Spinosad (Entrust® SC Nautralyte® Insect Control)

Pesticide produced from Saccharopolyspora spinosa that can effectively combat pests in many fruits and vegetables plantations. Traditional chemical pesticides negatively impact the environment and human health and allow pests to become resistant. Spinosad is readily biodegradable, has low mammalian and avian toxicity, and does not pose risks of groundwater contamination. Saccharopolyspora spinosa metabolizes spinosyn A and D (commonly known as Spinosad), which kills insects by attacking their neural systems.

Spinetoram

Dow/Corteva™ developed a biopesticide for pests in tree fruits, tree nuts, small fruits, and vegetables called Spinetoram. Corteva™ used the principles of green chemistry to develop a synthetic pathway for the synthesis of spinetoram. Spinetoram is a combination of 3'-O-ethyl-5,6-dihydro spinosyn J and 3'O-ethyl spinosyn L and can be produced in a low-impact synthetic route from spinosyns J and L. These two compounds are naturally occurring fermentation products with minimal environmental damage. Most catalysts, solvents, and catalysts in the synthesis process are recycled.