Pilot Scale Translational Facility for Value Added Chemicals from Biomass

 

Introduction

 

Technology based on concept of biorefinery wherein different types of secondary agriculture biomass enriched in sugar biopolymers can be fractionated into sugar monomers such as glucose, xylose, arabinose along with phenolic compounds originated from lignin residues. These sugar molecules and phenolic compounds are used in the said technology to convert into commercially valuable products by using biologically accepted routes such as fermentation, biotransformation, and biocatalysis.

 

State of Development

 

Early stage validation

 

Unique Features of the Product/Technology

 

Technology for fractionation of biomass into sugar monomers and phenolics in pure fermentable forms and Novel fermentation technologies wherein continuous fermentation can be done to achieve higher yield and productivity have been developed. This technology is aimed at constructing a pilot scale facility to address the gap between laboratory scale technologies into commercially viable plants employing the concept of zero waste biorefinery.

 

Market Potential

 

Three products, Xylitol, Gluconic Acid and Vanillin, are currently being produced synthetically and have significant market size. Proposed Biorefinery will not only provide an eco-friendly route based on renewable raw material source, but will also simplify manufacturing process making these products more economical as well. Production of these chemicals using cheaper bio-based raw materials can make breakthrough in market prices. The current markets are sizeable for these products. Demand for these products can increase manifolds benefitting the manufacturers, consumers and the farmers.

 

For further information please contact :  

 

Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
1st Floor ,MTNL Building ,9 ,
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road,
New Delhi-110003
E-mail: birac.dbt@nic.in
Phone: + 91-11-24389600