A highly innovative bio-based solution co-created by biotechnology leader Corbion and Green-Basilisk, a spin-off of Delft University of Technology, was named Bio-Based Product of the Year by Bio Market Insights in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on April 2. The award celebrates the application of SENTIALL® biotechnology from Corbion to create a self-healing concrete product brought to market by Green-Basilisk.
The concept was born when a team at TU Delft discovered how to manufacture a bacteria that, when exposed to oxygen and water, would fill cracks in concrete by converting substrates into limestone, thereby repairing those cracks automatically. The team collaborated with Corbion to develop a substrate that could survive the process of making, pouring and curing the concrete.
SENTIALL® provided a key component of the self-healing mechanism through a co-polymer that releases the substrate when a crack occurs without affecting the setting time or the strength of the concrete. Green-Basilisk was established to commercialize the innovation, which dramatically improves the durability of concrete structures, reduces costly maintenance and repairs, and helps to safeguard the integrity of tunnels, bridges, viaducts and other structures affecting public safety.
“Together with Corbion we are now able to provide the market with an innovative alternative for ordinary concrete”, says Bart van der Woerd, managing director of Green-Basilisk. “Self-Healing Concrete is more sustainable and durable and has therefore a great future in the construction business.”
“The solutions of greatest value to the world are the ones capable of delivering lasting value,” said Frederik Feddes, vice president-Biochemicals at Corbion. “In our experience at Corbion, those solutions usually result when we combine our strengths and share a sense of urgency about making a difference. We happily accept this recognition, along with our co-creators at Green-Basilisk, and are inspired by the other exciting collaborations brought to light by the Bio Market Insights Awards.”
The Bio-Based Product of the Year Award recognizes a product (not including food, animal feed or fuel) derived from plants or other renewable materials that goes beyond simply providing an alternative to conventional petroleum-based products; it must offer real improvements in price, functionality and quality.
SENTIALL® is a versatile co-polymer platform that delivers specific, high-value functionalities such as adhesion or controlled release in a range of industries, encompassing pharmaceutical, biomedical, agrochemical, cosmetics and household applications.
About Corbion
Corbion is the global market leader in lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, and a leading company in emulsifiers, functional enzyme blends, minerals, vitamins and algae ingredients. We develop sustainable ingredient solutions to improve the quality of life for people today and for future generations. For over 100 years, we have been uncompromising in our commitment to safety, quality, innovation and performance. Drawing on our deep application and product knowledge, we work side-by-side with customers to make our cutting edge technologies work for them. Our solutions help differentiate products in markets such as food, home & personal care, animal nutrition, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and bioplastics. In 2018, Corbion generated annual sales of € 897.2 million and had a workforce of 2,040 FTE. Corbion is listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
About Green-Basilisk
Green-Basilisk is the Delft University of Technology spin-out offering self-healing concrete solutions. The company has developed a self-healing agent that can be added to repair products or virgin concrete and that closes cracks in the concrete. Green-Basilisk’s solutions increase the durability and service lifetime of concrete structures, whilst decreasing maintenance and repair costs as well as related downtime. A patented technique was developed in cooperation with Henk Jonkers, Erik Schlangen and Sybrand van der Zwaag. Green-Basilisk was founded by its CEO Bart van der Woerd. In 2017 Green-Basilisk was financed by Shift Invest and has sufficient resources to take the next steps towards sustainable construction.
Source
Corbion, press release, 2019-04-04.
Supplier
Corbion
Green-Basilisk B.V.
University of Technology, Delft (NL)
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