Sustainable Bio-Acrylics and Organic Acids Separations Through Novel Techniques

Organizations: Bluestem Biosciences, ideaCHEM, Iowa State University, Southeast Community College

This project will accelerate the commercialization of the anaerobic bio-production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) – an important molecule that’s a precursor to the $25 billion acrylates industry – by leveraging existing ethanol infrastructure. Acrylates have diverse applications, including consumer products paints, and adhesives.  

This research will focus specifically on developing and integrating low-cost, scalable, and sustainable downstream processing (DSP) processes. The proposed integration of low-pH anaerobic fermentation into a streamlined downstream process using existing on-site equipment and techniques will reduce separation complexity and cost. Using existing bioethanol plant operations results in further capital cost savings.  

Researchers will also develop life-cycle analysis (LCA) and environmental justice (EJ) metrics for academic curricula. 

Project dates: 2024 – present

Funding source: BioMADE Project Call 4.0