PHS is a pivotal ingredient in the production of polymers, resins, and various chemicals, while the monomer is a fundamental component for the synthesis of substances including pharmaceuticals and fragrances.
The two companies will use a blend of biosynthesis, chemosynthesis, and polymerization techniques to develop a biobased route. The partnership will leverage Conagen’s proficiency in microbial strain design and Sumitomo Chemical’s prowess in chemical manufacturing and commercialization.
J. McNamara, Ph.D., Vice President of chemical applications at Conagen, said the approach used by Conagen and Sumitomo could feasibly be extended to produce other critical chemical constituents through large-scale fermentation, including but not limited to cinnamic acid, monohydroxy-benzoic acid, and dihydroxy-benzoic acid.