Fermbox Bio launches its first product in its Synbio product pipeline: A cellulosic enzyme cocktail to transform agricultural waste into 2G ethanol
Fermbox Bio launches EN3ZYME, an enzyme cocktail for 2G ethanol from agri-residues, tackling food vs. fuel debate. Co-developed globally, aligns with India’s ethanol targets and circular bioeconomy goals. Enhances resource efficiency, supports Atmanirbhar Bharat. Beyond ethanol, offers diverse applications in bio-ingredients. Fermbox Bio pioneers sustainable solutions in synthetic biology, promoting a greener future. Founded in 2022, the company aims at global impact with innovative, collaborative approaches in biomanufacturing.
Bangalore (Karnataka) [India], May 15: Fermbox Bio, a synthetic biology research and manufacturing company, announces the launch of EN3ZYME, a cutting-edge enzyme cocktail designed to enhance both the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transforming pre-treated agri-based residues into fermentable, cellulosic sugars. These sugars pave the way to produce second-generation (2G) ethanol and serve as an alternative carbon source in precision fermentation to produce bio-ingredients and biomaterials, such as colors, dyes, flavors, fragrances, lipids, and novel food proteins, fostering a circular economy.
Addresses the Food-fuel-debate Associated with 1G ethanol
This innovation directly addresses the food vs. fuel challenge associated with first-generation (1G) ethanol, by hydrolyzing agricultural residues into a viable alternative carbon source. EN3ZYME is designed to hydrolyze diverse feedstock residues, such as bagasse, cotton stalks, corn stover, and other cellulose-rich materials. The technology and its applications support sustainable processes and resource optimization, aligning with global environmental goals.
“Our vision with EN3ZYME was to tackle the twin challenge of energy sustainability and climate change head-on,” said Subramani Ramachandrappa, Founder of Fermbox Bio.
Unique Co-located Biomanufacturing Model
“Our biomanufacturing model is designed to offer tailored solutions for each plant, whether onsite or offsite, for the production and supply of our enzymes to our customers,” explained Mr. Ramachandrappa. “This flexibility caters to both large and small-scale operations, streamlining processes, reducing inventory, and boosting efficiency. It adapts to fluctuating demands and maximizes resource utilization.”
EN3ZYME technology exemplifies Fermbox Bio’s global collaborative model for product development and manufacturing. Co-developed with Dyadic International Inc., USA, and co-manufactured with BBGI Public Limited Company, Thailand, EN3ZYME production will be co-located at an existing 1G ethanol plant. This approach leverages global synergies, resulting in significant efficiencies in capital invested and operational costs.
“EN3ZYME has transformative potential in renewable biofuels and sustainable synthetic biology products. This collaboration marks a significant step in creating impactful, sustainable energy solutions,” said Mark Emalfarb, CEO of Dyadic International.
Adding to this, Kittiphong Limsuwannarot, CEO of BBGI Public Company Limited (a joint venture partner with Fermbox Bio), said, “We’re excited to be a consortium partner with Fermbox Bio in co-manufacturing EN3ZYME, a cellulose hydrolysis enzyme cocktail. This scalable, cost-effective solution will transform 2G ethanol production, while prioritizing resource efficiency, energy security, and sustainability.”
Empowered by National Policies and Ambitious Targets
The introduction of EN3ZYME aligns with the global biofuels market surge driven by climate change mitigation and government mandates, such as India’s 20 per cent ethanol blending target. Demand for 2G ethanol has risen from 3.8 billion liters in 2013 to 5.6 billion liters in 2022-23, with projections reaching 12.7 billion liters by 2025. The Indian government plans to establish 11 commercial 2G ethanol plants, supported by a Viability Gap Funding of 1800 crores. On these lines, regulations now require all petrol vehicles sold from April 2023 to be E20 compatible. [1]
Reflecting on India’s ambitious Ethanol Blending Program, Ramachandrappa stated, “EN3ZYME aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat Initiative led by the Government of India. Made in India, EN3ZYME will help reduce supply chain risks and costs associated with importing these critical enzymes for the production of 2G ethanol in India.”
Beyond Ethanol: The Multidimensional Potential of the Enzyme Cocktail
While primarily aimed at the ethanol industry, EN3ZYME’s applications extend beyond 2G ethanol production. It provides a cost-efficient, alternative carbon feedstock for developing novel proteins and biomaterials via precision fermentation, reducing reliance on conventional sugar sources that compete with food production.
“EN3ZYME’s ability to transform non-food, agri-based residues into high-value cellulosic sugars marks a pivotal step towards a circular bioeconomy,” shared Dr Ling Hua, former SVP of Clariant Biotechnology.
Industry veteran in Enzyme Tech, Jay Shetty adds, “We’re thrilled to see Fermbox Bio advancing resource optimization with EN3ZYME. This innovative enzyme cocktail transforms waste into a valuable resource, paving the way for a greener future.”
About Fermbox Bio
Fermbox Bio, founded in 2022 by biotech entrepreneurs Subramani Ramachandrappa and Preeti Dharmagoudar, is a synthetic biology research and manufacturing company headquartered in India, with presence in USA and Thailand. They develop and deliver sustainable Synbio products and solutions by leveraging precision fermentation and synthetic biology.
Fermbox Bio’s innovative solutions reduce supply chain risks associated with unsustainable resources, such as forest reserves, animals, and petrochemicals. Their ethical, regulatory-compliant products, designed to address industry challenges, promote sustainability across sectors like energy (biofuels), cosmeceuticals, flavors and fragrances, colors and dyes, and food.
Leveraging their expertise in expression platforms, product development, manufacturing, and commercialization, Fermbox Bio accelerates market entry with a ‘lab-to-launch’ system that boosts scalability and cost efficiency. Their collaborative co-manufacturing model tackles the challenges of scaling up in the sustainable synthetic biology markets.
