Formulation Chemistry for Plant-Derived Materials in New Products

In the global bio-economy, the renewable materials supply chain usually starts with raw materials derived via extraction from plant matter, or from the fermentation of functional plant matter. The materials made via these routes generally fall into two categories, namely:

1. Commercially available and chemically identical to materials made from petrochemicals or animal sources (such as vitamin D3 derived from sheep wool grease, and vitamin D3 extracted from lichen); and
2. Novel materials which could function similarly in applications compared to commercially established materials of any origin (such as sophorolipid surfactants compared to alkyl polyglucosides).

Formulation chemistry is a process by which candidate materials are characterized, as a first step, for their physical properties and application attributes. Such materials are then presented in multivariate property tables with other functionally similar commercial materials. Formulation scientists usually work in conjunction with a marketing professional in order to determine best-fit application rankings (based on value and functional competitive advantage) for the prospective materials versus existing materials. Once target applications have been identified, appropriate benchmark formulated products are procured and used for matching or exceeding the principal functional attributes with formulated products based on the use of the prospective renewable materials. The work of the formulation scientist is a combination of understanding and modeling multicomponent interactions in order to achieve desired outcomes with a heavy emphasis on empirical work, including efficacy testing and costing of prototype formulations until the benchmark attributes have been matched or exceeded.

For more than 25 years, Lee Enterprises Consulting has been at the forefront of the bioeconomy. Our highly differentiated market position centers around our deep subject matter expertise in very specialized areas. We help clients minimize technical and economic risk by leveraging best practices in our industries, and we have a long track record of providing insightful analysis and practical advice. Our reputation is unparalleled because we provide a simplified process, with a single point of contact to a diverse international network of proven experts in biofuels, biomaterials, feedstocks, alternative proteins, and existing & emerging technologies. Providing access to over 150 world-renowned bioeconomy experts allows us to create tailored solutions to meet each project’s individual needs.  Please take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for further information.