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Innovative Corynebacterium Platform by CO2 Resource Utilization Institute

In an era where sustainability is paramount, the CO2 Resource Utilization Institute (based in Minato, Tokyo) is making significant strides in bioprocessing with the introduction of a groundbreaking platform utilizing Corynebacterium ATCC 13032. This innovative approach is led by CEO Hideaki Yukawa, who has spearheaded the development of a novel "growth-independent bioprocess" that transcends the limitations of traditional fermentation methods.

What is Growth-Independent Bioprocess?

The growth-independent bioprocess is a revolutionary approach where microorganisms like Corynebacterium are employed in a dormant state to produce chemicals. Unlike conventional fermentation, this method utilizes the microbe as a "chemical catalyst," leading to significant advancements in biochemical production efficiency. Key benefits include:

• - High Production Efficiency: The novel process ensures optimal output by utilizing microorganisms efficiently without the need for extensive growth phases.
• - Resistance to Inhibitors: This method shows a remarkable resilience to fermentation inhibitors, a notable problem in traditional approaches.
• - Simultaneous Use of Multiple Substrates: The innovative process allows for simultaneous utilization of various substrates, thus expanding the scope of industrial applications.

These advancements have not only garnered recognition within the industry but also facilitated the establishment of Green Earth Institute in 2011, a startup dedicated to bio-manufacturing. The same year, Yukawa was honored with the prestigious Fellow Award from the Society for Industrial Microbiology, reflecting the esteemed recognition of the technology in applied microbiology.

Transitioning from R Strain to Globally Recognized Standard ATCC 13032

While the original research focused on the atypical "R strain" of Corynebacterium, it faced challenges in terms of industrial application and scale-up due to limited recognition and reliance on extensive historical data. The R strain differs significantly at the DNA level from the globally recognized ATCC 13032 strain, making the structural differences prominent.

With this in mind, the institute dedicated years to researching the ATCC 13032 strain, successfully developing an economically viable "next-generation growth-independent bioprocess". This pivotal shift enhances the scalability for potential industrial applications and promises a more robust utilization of Corynebacterium in various sectors.

Promoting Co-creation with Domestic and International Partners

The introduction of the next-generation growth-independent bioprocess marks a new horizon for industrial platforms utilizing Corynebacterium. The institute is targeting a broad range of partner companies, both domestically and internationally, to engage in commissioned research and development. This includes inviting companies that previously focused on the R strain, thus promoting a widespread industrialization on a global scale.

As an acknowledged hub of Corynebacterium research, the CO2 Resource Utilization Institute remains committed to collaborating with researchers worldwide, pushing the boundaries of Japanese technology towards a global standard. The goal is clear: to elevate domestic innovations and contribute significantly to the global bioprocessing field.

About CO2 Resource Utilization Institute

Founded in August 2015 with a capital investment of 247 million yen, the CO2 Resource Utilization Institute is focused on innovative bio-technologies, leveraging the exceptional growing capabilities of their proprietary "UCDI® hydrogen bacteria," capable of reproducing 16 million units per gram within 24 hours. This substantial growth rate highlights the institute's commitment to harnessing CO2 as a nutrient source for cutting-edge research and commercialization.

For inquiries, please contact:

• - Public Relations: Sakamoto / Beppu
• - Email: [email protected]

Explore more about our endeavors at CO2 Resource Utilization Institute.