Verdezyne, Inc., a privately-held industrial biotechnology company focused on producing renewable chemicals, announced the sale of its proprietary xylose isomerase technology, enabling the metabolism of 5-carbon sugars, to DuPont Industrial Biosciences, a world leader in science and innovation.
Under the terms of the sale, DuPont has purchased rights to Verdezyne’s patented xylose isomerase technology, covered by U.S. Patent Nos. 8,114,974 and 8,093,037, for use in the rapidly-commercializing biofuels and biochemical fields. This technology allows the fast and complete utilization of biomass-sourced C5 sugars in production of various products of choice. This technological breakthrough was highlighted in a recent Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology article published August 2012.
“Verdezyne’s xylose isomerase technology has been shown to have superior performance compared to alternatives for converting 5-carbon sugar to fuels and chemicals,” said E. William Radany, Ph.D., president and CEO of Verdezyne. “We are pleased that a company of DuPont’s stature recognizes the value of our proprietary technology.”
“Biomass bioprocessing is opening up unique market opportunities across a wide range of DuPont businesses and the Verdezyne technology is a natural fit for the company’s cellulosic portfolio,” said John P. Ranieri, vice president, DuPont Industrial Biosciences. “The addition of this leading xylose isomerase technology further strengthens DuPont’s leadership in biomass derived sugar conversion to biofuels and biochemicals.”
About Verdezyne
Verdezyne is an industrial biotechnology company using proven and proprietary metabolic pathway engineering tools to develop unique yeast strains for cost-effective production of bio-based chemicals. Current investors in Verdezyne include BP Alternative Energy Ventures, DSM Venturing B.V., OVP Venture Partners and Monitor Ventures.
About DuPont Industrial Biosciences
DuPont Industrial Biosciences works with customers across a wide range of industries to improve products and make processes more sustainable. Through a unique combination of capabilities in agriculture, biotechnology, chemistry and material science, coupled with the power of 2,000 talented individuals worldwide, this DuPont business focuses on providing biobased solutions to meet the needs of a growing population while protecting our environment.
Contacts
Aida Yodites
Corporate Communications, Verdezyne, Inc.
2715 Loker Avenue West
Carlsbad, CA 92010
phone: 760.707.5200
email: ayodites@verdezyne.com
Bill Douglass
Sparkpr
phone: 646-504-0890
email: bdouglass@sparkpr.com
Source
Verdezyne, Inc., press release, 2012-12-17.
Supplier
DuPont Industrial Biosciences
Verdezyne, Inc.
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