Dow selects biocatalyst
15 Jan 2000
Dow Chemical has teamed up with Diversa, formerly Recombinant Biocatalysis, to develop an enzyme as a biocatalyst for a bulk Dow chemical process. Although the product is confidential, Dow produces several hundred million pounds of it per year
Terrance Bruggeman, Diversa's ceo, says the joint venture is the beginning of a long term alliance. 'Enzymatic methods offer environmental and economic benefits to the company,' he said. 'By-products are minimised, processes streamlined and costs cut.'
Diversa has identified more than 300 enzymes from extreme natural environments akin to those of chemical reactors. The company has recently supplied Finnfeeds, the food and animal feed additive supplier, with a novel enzyme to enhance animal nutrition. The arrangement between the companies over this deal sees Finnfeeds acquire a 1.7 per cent stake in Diversa as well as a 'long term working relationship'.
