Science-to-Business Center Biotechnology

By conceiving new biotechnological products and processes, the center seeks to future-proof the core business of Evonik’s Chemicals Business Area. Biotechnological processes, unlike chemical processes, are notable primarily for their low investment costs. This means, for example, that a single bacterium can be used to perform multi-stage production sequences. The bacteria serve as “microbial cell factories.”

Moreover, by using renewable raw materials such as sugar or plant waste materials, producers become less dependent on petrochemical feedstocks. Access to raw materials is thus ensured.

The researchers focus on two aspects: developing sustainable production processes such as fermentation and biocatalysis and synthesizing bio-based materials that possess superior properties or present a significant cost advantage.

The Science-to-Business Center Biotechnology is divided into four competence areas: Synthetic Pathways, Bio Product & Process Development, Portfolio Development, and Networks Industrial Biotechnology.

Currently, the center devotes its research to the development of high-performance plastics, as well as the manufacture of ingredients for cosmetics, such as anti-aging products. 

Projects of the Science-to-Business Center Bio have been financially supported by the state of NRW and co-financed by the European Union.