Synthetic biology is the key to shifting away from petrochemicals to power the circular economy.
We combine the best of biology and chemistry.
At iMicrobes, we specialize in microbial strain engineering and bioprocess development, transforming next-generation feedstocks into drop-in chemicals and sustainable materials. Our biological processes combine multiple chemical reactions into a single reactor at mild temperatures, enabling low-energy, low-carbon footprint production with enhanced efficiency.
Using our patented engineered microorganisms, we convert biofeedstocks such as ethanol or methane into valuable intermediate molecules. These are further processed into high-demand products like acrylic acid, biopolymers, and acrylonitrile.
With a focus on cost reduction and carbon footprint minimization, we tailor our solutions to meet each customer’s specific needs, driving innovation in the biomanufacturing and bio-based chemical industries.
First products include:
Acrylic acid
Biopolymers
Acrylonitrile
Remake everything
Like brewing whiskey
At iMicrobes, we harness the power of engineered microorganisms to transform renewable feedstocks like ethanol and methane into valuable drop-in chemicals and sustainable materials. By leveraging our extensive intellectual property (IP) portfolio, which includes 22 patents, our programmable microbes drive efficient and low-energy fermentation processes.
We have successfully scaled our low-carbon production processes to create acrylic acid precursors, all while collaborating closely with a wide range of industry partners. Our innovative approach offers a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical manufacturing, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of essential products.
Our 5-step process
01
Feedstock Selection
We select renewable, low-carbon-intensity feedstocks, primarily ethanol, which is made from plants and other sustainable sources. Waste carbon dioxide and methane are selected as feedstocks for specific products.
02
Strain Engineering
We build microorganisms with novel pathways that convert the feedstock into the target product or a custom-designed precursor. For example, in the production of poly-3-hydroxypropionate (P3HP), the microbes convert ethanol into this biodegradable polymer, which serves as a precursor for acrylic acid.
03
Fermentation
The engineered microbes are cultured in bioreactors to make the product. We optimize the fermentation process using a variety of techniques including statistical design of experiments and machine learning, informed by advanced analytics.
04
Chemical conversion
The precursor product is separated, converted to the final product, and then purified to ensure the product meets the necessary quality standards. The entire process is designed for low cost by leveraging the unique strengths of biology and chemistry.
05
Scale up and commercialization
Each process is scaled up from bench to pilot to full commercial-scale production. We use in-house equipment and partner with leading development labs and contract manufacturers.
Power the circular economy
Be a solution for a better future
Interested in learning more? Visit our resources page
How can we work together?
With samples available, our commercial partners can now plan for large-scale production and distribution of co-developed biobased chemicals and materials.
iMicrobes provides the strain, bioprocess, samples and intellectual property.
We co-develop the biomanufacturing process.
You take the materials to market.
