Microvi Awarded USDA Grant to Develop a Breakthrough Tech. for Biobutanol Processes

HAYWARD, California -- The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Microvi Biotechnologies a grant to develop a breakthrough technology to dramatically improve the yield and performance of biobutanol processes. The technology overcomes toxic and inhibitory effects on butanol producing microorganisms, a major bottleneck in scaling existing biobutanol processes.

"A diversified energy future based on biobutanol and other low-cost biofuels requires new technologies for maximizing feedstock conversion efficiency and reducing operating costs" said Ameen Razavi, Director of Innovation Research. "Through this effort, we open a new paradigm for managing toxic stresses for biobutanol production leading to economical production. "Microvis butanol technology is based on the companys MicroNiche Engineering platform, a process which enhances microbial physiology and optimizes enzymatic performance.

As a fuel or gasoline additive, bioutanol has many advantages over ethanol, including drop-in capability, higher energy content and better transport and handling properties. In addition, butanol can also be used as a building block for chemical manufacturing.

Based on preliminary investigations, Microvis technology has shown substantial increases in the titer of butanol over its solubility limit. Microvis technology is also expected to provide economic advantages such as reduced water usage, waste production and energy use. Biobutanol processes using Microvis technology would benefit from reduced capital and operating costs. The technology will be retrofitable in existing bioethanol processes and work with any microorganism including genetically modified organisms.

Microvis biobutanol technology can help achieve energy independence, diversify uses of agricultural and rural resources and reduce negative economic and environmental impacts associated with dependence on petroleum.

About USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) works to support the American agricultural economy to strengthen rural communities; to protect and conserve our natural resources; and to provide a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for the American people.

About Microvi

Microvi is a leading biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes innovative biocatalytic technologies in water, energy and chemical industries. Microvis pipeline of solutions, created using its proprietary MicroNiche Engineering platform, enable cost-effective economics, are energy efficient and waste free and deliver higher performance than conventional methods.