Genencor Unveils Biorefineries Enzyme

By SMRITI JACOB
Rochester Business Journal

Rochester -- Genencor International Inc., a division of Danisco A/S, Monday revealed the first commercially available biomass enzyme for second-generation biorefineries.

Accellerase 1000 contains a complex of enzymes that reduces lignocellulosic biomass into fermentable sugars, an indispensable step for the production of cellulosic ethanol, officials said. Examples of lignocellulosic biomass include plant matter like trees, some crops and grasses.

Genencor officials predict Accellerase 1000 will fill a large unmet need for reliable biomass enzyme supply for pilot and demonstration plant developers who are actively working on process development, scale up and integration. The enzyme is the first in what the firm expects to be a family of products tailored to different biomass feedstocks and system conditions.

Genencor is part of Danisco’s bioingredients unit. It employs 150 in Rochester.
“Every biorefinery developer needs to know how enzymes will work in their system,” said Jack Huttner, Rochester-based vice president of biorefinery business development at Genencor, in a statement. “This product aims to address that need and to start a dialogue with potential partners about customized solutions and supply at the industrial scale.”


Rochester Business Journal, Oct. 16, 2007