Bioeconomy – Its Changing Nature

During the period of time from about 2000 to 2013, most of the activity in the bioeconomy was focused on commodity products, especially fuels. The main products were ethanol and butanol, and the root technology was the conversion of starches and cellulose to sugars, followed by fermentation. As petroleum became less expensive once again, fuels have become de-emphasized, and the product focus has shifted to more valuable products, such as foods, food additives, and specialty chemicals. Some have used sugars as feedstock. Some have used syngas and petroleum byproducts such as natural gas as feedstocks.  Examples of products and technologies include:

• Fish feed proteins, by fermentation
• Mycoproteins for human consumption, by fermentation
• Meat substitutes, such as heme added to a soy base, by fermentation
• Organic chemicals, by syngas fermentation
• Oncology medicines, by solid-state fermentation
• Toll R&D and production for a variety of products, by fermentation
• Hydrocarbons, by syngas fermentation
• Air carbon, by natural gas fermentation
• Protein supplements, by fermentation

There are many others. Though the nature of the products has changed, a key process element is fermentation, and a key element of that is the mixing system design and scale-up. We remain ready to help with any such projects. LEC consultants can help with the mixing design, as well as due diligence, overall project economics, etc.

Among its 150+ experts, Lee Enterprises Consulting has a wide range of services in bioenergy, biomaterials and chemicals, biotechnologies, and feedstocks.  Take a look at our experts and the services we provide.  You will note that most of our experts are also available for ancillary engagements and advice, for specialty engagements like serving as expert witnesses in litigation matters.  A good overview of our group is found in this video.  Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information.