In the wake of the $51 million funding announcement from the Economic Development Administration, momentum is tangible for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub. Today marks the beginning of a new collaboration to replace fossil fuel-derived petrochemicals with zero-emission alternatives produced through precision fermentation. 

Industrial Microbes (iMicrobes) is partnering with the iFAB Tech Hub’s Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to harness microbes to produce acrylic acid, a versatile chemical compound that is fundamental in the production of a wide range of products across various industries. They are beginning their first pilot-scale test run at IBRL to demonstrate proof of concept. 

The global acrylic acid market is expected to hit almost $15 billion by 2030. Companies like iMicrobes, looking to secure some of this market share, can scale their biomanufacturing technologies right here in Central Illinois, said Beth Conerty, who leads the iFAB consortium and business development for IBRL, part of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and The Grainger College of Engineering.

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IBRL research facility

“With the support of the landmark EDA grant, iFAB is building a robust biomanufacturing ecosystem across Central Illinois that empowers companies to bring their bioinnovations from the laboratory to full-scale production,” Conerty said. “Our goal is to make Central Illinois the go-to destination for enterprises turning scientific advancements into real-world, eco-friendly solutions that redefine industrial chemistry.”

iMicrobes President Derek Greenfield said they aim to replace the manufacturing industry’s ubiquitous petroleum-derived chemicals with a bio-based, net-zero acrylic acid for the burgeoning bioeconomy. Acrylic acid produces things like greener diapers and period products, durable bioplastics, fabrics, water treatment chemicals, adhesives, sealants, paints — and much more.

"Through the power of synthetic biology, we've programmed microorganisms to harness a variety of renewable feedstocks, moving away from petroleum-based processes,” Greenfield said. “The result is a molecular product that mirrors its conventional counterpart, yet offers the groundbreaking benefit of net-zero or even negative emissions."

Other groups are partnering with the IBRL to leverage precision fermentation in the production of other universal industrial chemicals: the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation is generating a precursor to acrylic acid (3HP); BioMADE has funded a project to produce succinic acid, which is used in biodegradable plastics, synthesizing pharmaceuticals, enhancing flavors in food and beverages, maintaining the quality of cosmetics, and more. 

"As we look to the future, iFAB is not just fostering innovation; we are actively inviting businesses and entrepreneurs to join us in Central Illinois, the emerging epicenter of sustainable biomanufacturing,” Conerty said. “Our facilities, resources, and expertise are geared towards transforming bold ideas into market-ready solutions that lead the way in environmental stewardship and economic growth. Together, we can redefine the landscape of industrial manufacturing, making it greener, more efficient, and infinitely more sustainable."

To learn more about kickstarting your precision fermentation project, contact Conerty at bconerty@illinois.edu.