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Synthetic Biology Breaks New Ground on Renewable Chemicals

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Advances in commercial applications to be showcased at 2014 BIO World Congress in Philadelphia</p>

Executives from consumer product and renewable chemical companies will present recent achievements in synthetic biology and genomics research at the BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced today.  The World Congress will be held May 12-15, 2014, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia. 

“With synthetic biology techniques, biotech companies can more efficiently and rapidly manufacture new tools for bioenergy, biobased materials and biobased chemicals markets,” said Brent Erickson, executive vice president of BIO’s Industrial & Environmental Section. “BIO’s World Congress breakout program will provide a first-hand look into new techniques that translate genomics research into industrial applications. Companies will also explore how to communicate the benefits of a complicated technology to consumers.” 

Breakout Program Sessions on synthetic biology and genomics research include:

New Enzymes and New Chemical Pathways
Session 1: Tuesday, May 13, 8:30am-10:00am 

  • Moderator: Jamie Bacher, Pareto Biotechnologies
  • Eric Althoff, Arzeda Corp.
  • Ian Fotheringham, Ingenza, Ltd.
  • Thomas Grotkjaer, Novozymes
  • Roberto Carrillo, ENMEX

Beyond Transgenics: Biotechnology Tools to Enhance Value
Session 2: Tuesday, May 13, 10:30am-12:00pm

  • Moderator: Tom Wedegaertner, Cotton Incorporated
  • R. Michael Raab, Agrivida
  • David McElroy, Nova Synthetix
  • Toni Voelker, Monsanto

Public Perception for an Emerging Technology 
Session 3: Tuesday, May 13, 2:30pm-4:00pm

  • Moderator: Melody Bomgardner, Chemical & Engineering News
  • Stephan Herrera, Evolva SA
  • John Hallagan, Flavor & Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA)
  • Jason Kelly, Gingko Bioworks
  • Linda Eatherton, Ketchum

Microbial Conversions and Metabolic Engineering to Renewable Chemicals
Session 4: Wednesday, May 14, 2:30pm-4:00pm

  • Moderator: Kevin Jarrell, Modular Genetics, Inc.
  • Claes Gustafsson, DNA2.0
  • Sean O'Connor, Nucelis Inc.
  • Dave Schisler, Cargill, Inc. 
  • Ramesh Nair, Chromatin Inc.

Fermentation Process Design and Separation Techniques
Session 5: Thursday, May 15, 8:30am-10:00am

  • Moderator: Mark Burk, Genomatica
  • Donald Glatz, Koch Modular Process Systems, LLC
  • Niloofar Abdehagh, University of Ottawa

Genome Engineering for Industrial Applications
Session 6: Thursday, May 15, 10:30am-12:00pm

  • Moderator: Nagib Ward, Deinove
  • Eric Kmiec, Delaware State University
  • Nokuthula McHunu, Durban University of Technology
  • Gajanan Naik, Gulbarga University
  • Nigel Mouncey, Dow AgroSciences

All World Congress sessions are open to credentialed media.  Complimentary media registration is available to editors and reporters with valid press credentials working full time for print, broadcast or web publications.  Pre-registration for reporters is now open.