Metabolic Explorer Granted Patent for the production of Propylene Glycol

Metabolic Explorer has announced that the FR2864967 Patent for the production of Propylene Glycol (MPG) by fermentation has been granted. The strain developed by Metabolic Explorer is designed to offer a competitive way to manufacture MPG from renewable resources.

METEX demonstrates its ability to develop proprietary strains with performant biochemical pathways using its integrated platform in strain evolution and optimisation.

This bioprocess that uses E. coli for the production of MPG and Acetone as co-product offers two advantages versus the current chemical process: The possibility to produce pure R or S MPG isomer when the chemical processes produces a racemic mixture. The bioprocess increases the value of MPG when it’s used as intermediates for performance products.

The use of renewable carbon sources when the chemical process uses propylene, a raw materiel with volatile and increasing price. The bioprocess offers a better and a sustainable economic for MPG production.

"The issuance of this new patent reinforces Metabolic Explorer’s pipeline of products positioning in industrial biotechnology," said Benjamin Gonzalez, CEO of Metabolic Explorer.

"Through this innovation we prove once again our capability to use our core competence to develop faster commodity chemicals using fermentation routes and to offer the chemical industry a unique value proposition for a better and sustainable growth."