The unique innovation in “TRANSFORMATE” is the full integration and optimization of a two-stage process (electrolysis and fermentation) for the direct conversion of CO2 into biopolymers via formic acid. For the first time, a formic acid electrolyzer is coupled to a bioreactor and the interaction of the integrated system will be optimized. In a first step, CO2 is reduced by electrochemical conversion to formic acid. In a second step, the formic acid is fed into a bioreactor, where formic acid metabolizing microorganisms (formatotrophs) convert the feedstock formic acid into specialty chemicals at very high selectivity.

Poroject Lead: b.fab GmbH

Region: Europe

Country: Germany

Timeline Start - End: 2020-01-03 - 2023-02-28

Project Status: Ongoing

Project Budget: 0.0 €

Funding source: BMBF

Website: https://co2-utilization.net/en/projects/chemical-and-biotechnological-reduction-of-co2/transformate/

Activities:

- Techno-economic analysis

- Life cycle assessment (LCA)

- CCU

CO2 Source: Not specified (point sources)

CCU Tecnology Category: Utilization

Info On Utilization:

- Electrochemical conversion

- Biological conversion

CO2 capture/Utilization:

Production Volume:

Product Categories:

- Polymers

- Chemicals

Specific Product(s): Formate, which is then converted to biopolymers