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Technology Transfer from the University of Oxford

NOVEL BIOPROCESSING SOLUTIONS - Isis Project No 71530

Technology Source: EKB Technology Limited

EKB Technology has developed a portfolio of bioprocessing solutions designed to streamline bioprocess product production and purification.

Marketing Opportunity

Biocatalysis is the application of cell systems and enzymes to carry out complicated chemical reactions which would be too difficult using conventional chemistry.  The advantages of biocatalysis over synthetic chemistry routes include: higher product yields; very high chemo-, regio- and stereo- selectivity; and less aggressive reactions conditions (no volatile solvents; no elevated temperature and pressures).

A major challenge to broad take up of biocatalytic processes is the difficulty associated with removal of products from complex, water based reaction systems.

The Invention

EKB technology has developed a suite of bioprocessing solutions including the electrokinetic bioreactor (hence ‘EKB’).  The technologies have the potential to save time and money by facilitating product recovery on-line.

Other benefits of the technology include:

  • Enhanced product purity – the product is free from cell,
    enzyme and starting material contaminants
  • Retention of the biocatalyst in the reaction chamber
  • Increased product concentration
  • Enhancement of some biocatalytic processes
  • Enhanced stability of bioprocesses
  • Automatic and chemical free pH control

This EKB process has been tested on a range of systems, e.g.:

  • lactic acid production from glucose (47% increase)
  • benzonitrile to benzoic acid transformation (40% increase)

Lactic acid is the key component for the production of the polylactide biodegradable polymer – estimates put worldwide production at >500,000 tons per year by 2010.  Other potential applications include biobutanol production, recovery of chiral intermediates for pharmaceutical or speciality chemicals applications and the synthesis of nature identical flavours and fragrances from low cost feedstocks.

Patent Status

This ‘EKB’ patented technology is one of a series of bioprocessing technologies owned by EKB Technology. Isis Innovation is working with EKB Technology to identify specific applications and find commercial partners/licensees.

Request Further Information: Project Number 71530 - Novel Bioprocessing Solutions