Crop Expression of Enzymes and Products
ID: 3968

Abstract: The first talk by Dr. Manuel Sainz will outline Syngenta’s breakthrough enzyme technology, with a focus on the expression of multiple cellulases in corn leaves and seed.



Kristi Snell

Metabolix is commercializing a family of polymers made from renewable resources such as sugars and vegetable oils. PHA biobased plastics are high performing new materials that have the potential to put a large portion of the plastics and chemicals industry on a sustainable basis. Robust in use, yet biodegradable, they offer a renewable and environmentally friendly alternative in many applications now served by synthetic plastics, including fiber, film, molded goods, extruded products, adhesives, and coatings. Metabolix is commercializing the production of PHAs via microbial fermentation through Telles, a joint venture with Archer, Daniel, Midland.



Independently, Metabolix is evaluating several crop platforms for large scale production of PHAs including switchgrass, sugarcane, and industrial oilseed crops. Each crop platform has its own distinct advantages in terms of climate suitability and accessible co-product (i.e. biomass, sugar, or oil). PHA production in biomass crops presents a unique value added opportunity that can positively impact the overall economics of biomass derived ethanol by amortizing the costs of growing, harvesting, transporting, and processing the plant feedstock amongst two end-products, plastics and energy. Similarly, production of plastics in industrial oilseeds converts this crop into a multi-product system increasing its value. Large scale production of PHAs in plants has the potential to deliver significant reductions in CO2 emissions and energy use. Metabolix’s progress towards production of PHAs in crops will be highlighted.



David Lee

Cellulosic biomass is highly resistant to disassembly due to the association of hemicellulose, lignin, and pectins to the cellulose microfibrils that make up the primary cell wall. Ordinarily, strong chemical or physical pre-treatment is necessary to free the cellulose for enzymatic hydrolysis and produce glucose for fermentation to ethanol or other biofuels. Edenspace is taking an alternative approach to the production of glucose from cellulose by expressing hydrolytic enzymes in transgenic plant biomass with the goal of reducing the level of pre-treatment and other processing necessary after activation of the enzymes and consequently making the production of advanced biofuels more economical. Edenspace has stably engineered multiple enzymes into crop plants and will present information on these selected enzymes, their activity in plants, and their effects on improving biomass conversion.



Elizabeth Hood

Infinite Enzymes is commercializing industrial enzymes produced in maize based on technology developed by the company’s founder and research collaborators. Formed in 2006, and located at the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, the company is actively applying its proprietary tools to increasing the weight percent of cellulases in corn flour to reduce the cost of production. A primary goal of Infinite Enzymes is to reach the U.S. Department of Energy target for enzymes of $0.10/gallon of ethanol. To meet this goal improvements in expression systems and associated technology are required. The team has established cellulase-producing plant lines that show promise as a competitive low-cost production system. In the past year there have been significant improvements in this plant-based cellulase production process. This paper will present the latest data showing the efficacy of the plant produced enzymes on a variety of biomass substrates including hardwoods, rice straw and corn stover. Infinite Enzymes will also detail advancements in breeding, new partnerships and business development. Although the regulatory path to plant production continues to be unclear, the company will present its model in which the regulated plants can be grown cost-effectively with containment and identity preservation. This corn-based system can be utilized to supply enzymes for the biomass to ethanol industry independently or to supplement the currently accepted fungal fermentation system for enzyme production.











Moderator: Manuel Sainz, Syngenta (Australia)

Presenter 1: : Paradigm changes in the economics of Enzymatic Biomass conversion through Plant Biotechnology
Manuel Sainz, Syngenta, (Australia)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 2: PHA Biobased Plastics: Progress Towards Developing Economic Crop-Based Production Systems 
Oliver Peoples, Metabolix, Inc, (United States)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 3: Increasing yields of cellulosic biofuel production through plant expression of hydrolytic enzymes 
David Lee, Edenspace Systems Corporation, (United States)  [Confirmed]

Presenter 4 (if necessary): Progress Toward Commercial Production of Industrial Enzymes in Maize 
Elizabeth Hood, Infinite Enzymes , (United States)  [Confirmed]

Panel Organizer:
Manuel Sainz, Syngenta, (Australia)

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