Bio-based acrylic acid:
The opportunity to lead in low-carbon chemistry
Demand for bio-based materials is growing fast, driven by regulatory shifts, supply chain constraints, corporate sustainability goals, and consumer preferences.
That is the clear message we have heard over years working closely with major chemical producers, government entities, and research institutions.
Acrylic acid is especially ripe for disruption.
Today’s supply chain depends on volatile petroleum markets, exposing businesses to price swings, supply chain risks, and environmental liabilities.
As biomanufacturing scales and cost parity becomes the norm, bio-based chemistry is no longer optional—it’s a competitive advantage.
“We believe strongly in the importance of fermentation-based bioproduction of critical and next-generation products and materials to diversify our supply chains and continue our efforts to develop and offer environmentally sustainable products.”
Our approach to biobased Acrylic Acid
We combine biology and chemistry to create drop-in replacement chemicals from ethanol.
We eliminate trade-offs between performance, cost, and sustainability.
At iMicrobes, we integrate the precision and efficiency of biology with the simplicity of chemistry to deliver a drop-in, bio-based acrylic acid that seamlessly integrates into existing production processes.
We eliminate trade-offs between performance, cost, and sustainability. Our technology enables acrylic acid producers to diversify feedstocks, enhance supply chain resilience, and reduce reliance on fossil-based inputs—all while maintaining the high-purity standards required for coatings, adhesives, superabsorbent polymers, and personal care applications. The key to this is our patented microorganism and process.
Why ethanol as a feedstock?
The best alternative to fossil propylene.
Scalable & cost-efficient.
Readily available and commercially viable, ethanol outcompetes other bio-feedstocks in cost and supply.
Simplified processing.
Hydrous ethanol enables lower-cost bioprocessing, eliminating unnecessary purification steps.
Seamless integration.
As an energy-dense liquid, ethanol fits directly into existing infrastructure—unlike solid biomass or costly refined sugars.
Diverse sourcing options.
Sourced from crops, waste biomass, industrial off-gas, and captured CO₂, ethanol provides long-term feedstock security.
By leveraging ethanol as a feedstock, Industrial Microbes enables a scalable, cost-effective transition to bio-based acrylic acid production.
Reducing carbon intensity.
Carbon footprint depends on the source of the feedstock.
Chemical producers are under increasing pressure to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Switching from fossil-based propylene to bio-based acrylic acid can cut emissions by 80% — and even achieve carbon negativity (-170% CI) with next-generation feedstocks. iMicrobes enables you to lead the industry’s shift to sustainable, low-carbon materials while maintaining the quality and performance your customers demand.
Why iMicrobes?
Your biomanufacturing partner.
By choosing Industrial Microbes, you gain:
Performance without compromise.
Targeting 99%+ purity drop-in replacement that meets all industry specifications, with no process modifications required.
Supply chain resilience
Geographically diverse production and feedstock diversification reduce reliance on imported petroleum-based, minimizing logistics complexity and exposure to global market volatility.
REACH
& EPA
Safety
certifications
Regulatory alignment. Will meet all REACH, EPA, and safety certifications, providing transparent Scope 3 emissions data for ESG reporting.
Market differentiation. Enables producers to access premium markets where brands and consumers are increasingly demanding low-carbon alternatives.
Key milestones
Scaling up for commercial success
iMicrobes has achieved major milestones in scaling ethanol-based biomanufacturing, bringing us closer to full commercialization.
In August 2024, we successfully produced 10 kg+ of polymer per run while scaling fermentation to 1,500L and refining purification processes.
This progress was bolstered by a DoD award to support our first commercial facility and a BioMADE grant to accelerate our second product, sustainable carbon fiber.
By November, our fermentations demonstrated excellent alignment between bench-scale and pilot-scale results, yielding another 10 kg+ of polymer with improved process parameters.
In January 2025, we achieved kg-scale polymer purification, allowing us to begin sharing samples with partners and setting the stage for acrylic acid conversion in Q1 and Q2.
With a 60% cost reduction since early 2024, iMicrobes is rapidly advancing toward cost-competitive, scalable biomanufacturing solutions.
How can we partner?
Joint development
Engage in hands-on, joint development projects that leverage our expertise and your market insights to bring products to market.
Test our samples
Get early access to our bio-based acrylic acid samples and become a testing partner. Assess our solution in your formulations and production processes.
Assess the economic impact of bio-based material
Build a technoeconomic model with us.
The push for low-carbon, bio-based chemicals is rapidly accelerating.
iMicrobes offers a proven, cost-competitive pathway to produce bio-based acrylic acid that reduces dependence on fossil-based inputs, enhances supply chain resilience, and meets growing market demand for sustainable materials.