Research to go bioecon

Research to Go - Bioeconomy A summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Table of Contents Development of Agricultural Biomaterials Industry in Ontario .................................................................... 0 Substituting Carbon Black through Agro-derived Bio-Black for Green Automotive Products ..................... 2 New Bioadhesives from Starch, DDGS and Lignin for Industrial Uses .......................................................... 5 Biodegradable and Biobased Engineering Materials through New Green Chemistry for Agricultural Film and Sustainable Materials Uses .................................................................................................................... 8 Development of Russian Dandelion as a Rubber Crop for Ontario ............................................................ 11 Development of Russian Dandelion as a New Rubber-Producing Crop for Ontario .................................. 13 Creating a Technical Knowledge Platform to Validate Personal Care Applications of PHYTOSPHERIX Polysaccharide Nanoparticles ..................................................................................................................... 15 A New Yeast Process for Valorizing Biodiesel Crude Glycerol and Ethanol Stillage ................................... 17

Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

Development of Agricultural Biomaterials Industry in Ontario UofG2013-1759

Funding Program

OMAFRA - U of G Research

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses biomaterials, commercialization, economic feasibility Alfons Weersink University of Guelph 01/07/2014 End Date 30/06/2016

Abstract The study will analyze the current biomaterials industry, prioritize opportunities and formulate strategies in developing an agricultural biomaterials industry in Ontario, targeting the automotive, construction, and consumer products markets. The commercialization potentials of 15-20 biomaterials products will be assessed through literature search and communications with biomaterials firms, research institutions, potential end users and industry experts. The evaluation will consider the suitability for Ontario’s agricultural feedstock, competition from the petroleum and forestry based products, trends in the target markets, and rural development opportunities. The biomaterials products and associated firms with the highest commercialization potentials will be identified, and barriers in commercialization will be investigated. The final report will include a comprehensive overview of agricultural biomass feedstock, biomaterial markets, institutional supports, existing infrastructure and supply chains, and strategy to accelerate the development of an agricultural biomaterials industry in Ontario. It will serve as an information booklet for investment attraction to Ontario.

Objectives The overarching objective of the study is to formulate strategies to develop an agricultural biomaterials industry in Ontario. The specific objectives are: • To estimate the availability, cost and geographical distribution of agricultural feedstock, for both crop residues and purpose-grown biomass • To identify the agricultural biomaterials products and associated biomaterials firms with the most promising commercialization potential in Ontario • To analyze the barriers to commercialization and economic feasibility of the selected agricultural biomaterials products for the Ontario construction market • To prioritize opportunities, formulate strategies and provide recommendations for all stakeholders to accelerate the development of an agricultural biomaterials industry in Ontario

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Benefits A number of studies suggested that the agricultural sector in Ontario could sustainably produce a significant amount of biomass feedstock from both purpose-grown crops and their residues. Ontario, home to the largest automotive industry in Canada and the most populated province, is the ideal place in Canada to develop an agricultural biomaterials industry to serve the automotive, construction and the consumer products markets. The economic, social and environmental benefits associated with this emerging industry would be substantial.

Biomaterials industry will provide business diversification to Ontario’s agricultural producers. The volatile grain prices in recent years suggest that such diversification is desirable. Ontario’s agricultural producers will have diverse markets for their products, and will be able to participate in higher value chains. Purposegrown biomass, the likely feedstock for the biomaterials industry, will also offer the agricultural producers more crop choices for their land.

The manufacturing sector, which has been declining in Ontario, will benefit from the development of an agricultural biomaterials industry. Being able to locate the manufacturing plants close to the feedstock and the large markets, the biomaterials firms will face less pressure from competitors. Revitalization of the manufacturing sector using the sustainable feedstock will lead to the creation of skilled jobs and development of biomass supply chain. The investment community will also find new opportunities in the biomaterials industry in Ontario.

The study being proposed will analyze the current status of the biomaterials industry, prioritize opportunities and formulate strategies to accelerate the development of an agricultural biomaterials industry in Ontario. The study will generate invaluable information to all stakeholders, including policy makers, agri-food and rural sectors, research institutions, industries and investors. The final report will include a comprehensive overview of agricultural biomass feedstock, biomaterial markets, regulatory and institutional supports, existing infrastructure and supply chains in Ontario. The final report will, therefore, serve as an information booklet for investment attraction to Ontario.

Co-Funder List Team Member 1. Mr. Kenneth Poon

University of Guelph

UofG Research Associate

2. Dr. Aung Oo

Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park

Non-UofG Faculty/Research Scientist

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF and MRA)

OMAFRA Staff

3.

Dr. Mahendra Thimmanagari

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

Substituting Carbon Black through Agro-derived BioBlack for Green Automotive Products UofG2013-1570

Funding Program

OMAFRA - U of G Research

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses Bio-black, bio-composites, biomass, melt processing Amar Mohanty University of Guelph 15/09/2014 End Date 15/09/2017

Abstract New green-technology platform for automotive applications will be engineered by collaborating with Honda of Canada Manufacturing (HCM), New Energy Farms and Competitive Green Technologies (Support letters are attached). Potential use of biomass, agro-derived bio-black and their hybrids in auto-parts will be unraveled through holistic biorefinery approach. Design and engineering of both toughened polyolefin and toughened polylactide biocomposites are targeted through material chemistry, process engineering optimizations.

Chopping natural fibre for different applications generate a lot of powdered biomass that has no value.

When subjected to pyrolysis, powdered biomass can yield 30-35% biochar (here-on referred as bio-black) along with syn gas and bio-oil. This project intends to use the agro-derived bio-black in combination with biomass (eg. perennial grasses) to substitute talc/glass fibre and petro-based carbon black currently being used in 75% of the interior auto-parts.

A biorefinery would maximize the value derived from biomass feedstock by taking advantage of various components such as chopped fibres, bio-black made from powdered biomass, bio-oil and syn gas. Hybrid of grass fibres and bio-black in interior auto-parts would increase profitability while production of low grade fuel would meet energy needs of Ontario greenhouses. This integrated approach would make production of these biomaterials inherently different from others.

Objectives Aim of this project is successful demonstration of the proposed biorefinery concept by promoting the use of biocomposites that contain engineered biomass and bio-black in interior auto-parts. Profound knowledge of the researchers and personnel from industry collaboration will be utilized in accomplishing the key objectives of this project. (i) Toughening of polyolefin based matrix through engineering the blends from PP, PE, nylon and rubber.

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(ii) Toughening of polylactide (PLA)-based matrix through a ternary blend (iii) Selection of agro-based bio-black with appropriate particle size and bio-carbon content (iv) Melt compounding (reactive extrusion) and compatibilization chemistry optimizations (v) Improving the adhesion between matrix, fibre and bio-black with high impact performance of the biocomposites (targeted Notched Izod Impact strength: 100 to 200 J/m) (vi) Structure property-processing correlation and theoretical models to validate experimental findings. (vii) New knowledge discovery, scale up process, prototype fabrication and possible commercialization path ways through collaboration with Industry partners.

Benefits Unique avenue of opportunities open for powdered biomass that currently has no commercial uses and of low value. Positive benefits that flow from converting the powdered biomass to bio-black through thermochemical conversion process like pyrolysis and its use in industry applications include waste reduction and energy co-production. Establishment of bio-black pyrolysis facilities by biomass producers (farmers) operating greenhouses ensures economic and environmental sustainability. Bio-oil and syn gas generated as additional products in the process are used to power greenhouses making the conversion process cost efficient and profitable. Greenhouse industry in Ontario is a major economic player and is a strong contributor to the province’s exports. Adopting bio-energy for heating the greenhouses can offer effective solutions to the challenges posed by raising energy costs and it helps to cut down energy costs by approximately 25%. Wide-spread adaptation of such bio-refinery approach across Ontario in future would create new operations, local job opportunities and sustainable competitive advantage in agro-business.

Finding effective ways for promoting the use of biomass fibres will benefit the primary producers and farmers by extending the industrial value chain of the crop. Net returns obtained from growing dedicated crops for use as biomass fibres are presently low; therefore generating high volume applications such as those envisaged in this process offers potential for higher margins and new revenue streams.

Canadian auto-parts manufacturers would reap multifold benefits from substituting presently used petrobased carbon black with agro-derived bio-black. Hybrid combinations of bio-black and biomass offers considerable weight savings at optimum loading levels. Once feasibility of producing such products is demonstrated by successful process engineering, automakers can adopt the process for high volume production of various interior auto-parts; significant cost and performance benefits are expected. Industry partner, Honda is greatly interested in adopting the successful formulations for several interior parts.

Although initially the project collaborates with Honda, variety of other car manufactures and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can benefit from this technology during future expansion of this work.

Stimulating such high volume application for biomass and bio- black in automotive industry affirms market penetration and complete realization of the biorefinery concept.

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Co-Funder List • • •

CGTec New Energy Farms Ltd. Honda of Canada Mfg.

Team Member 1. Dr. Manjusri Misra University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus) 2. Dr. Post Doc

University of Guelph UofG Post Doc Fellow

3. Ms. Given Surname University of Guelph UofG Graduate Student

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

New Bioadhesives from Starch, DDGS and Lignin for Industrial Uses UofG2011-1135

Funding Program

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses Bioadhesives, DDGS, starch, lignin Amar Mohanty University of Guelph 01/01/2013 End Date

OMAFRA - U of G Research

31/12/2015

Abstract The proposed research aims to engineer a new class of renewable resource-based bioadhesives from low cost and abundant raw materials such as starch, Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS), lignin and their hybrids for value-added industrial uses.

Three Ontario-based industries, (i) CASCO (ii) Green Field Ethanol Inc. (iii) EcoSynthetix along with a Govt.

Lab i.e. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are collaborating in this project.

A new study by IntertechPira predicts nearly $1.24 billion market value by 2017 for green/bio-adhesives and sealants. Currently most of the adhesives for paper, board or wood products are obtained from petro-based raw materials which make the final product non-biodegradable and less greener. Starch-based adhesives are attracting the attentions as eco-friendly substitute. However these adhesives suffer from poor water resistance that limits their wide-spread applications. Thus the idea of developing hybrid adhesives through integrating lignin and DDGS into a starch system is proposed here to overcome such drawback with added advantage of integrating non-food bioresources into starch system.

Besides the solution process, we are proposing to adopt industry prevalent reactive extrusion technology in this proposed work. The processing and material chemistry along with compatibilization will be the key strategies in creating competitive technology for possible commercialization.

Objectives The current proposal addresses the challenges in development of biobased adhesives using lignin, starch and DDGS. Furthermore, the use of DDGS and lignin as a replacement of starch is another added advantage from cost-economics point of view The major objectives of this work are outlined below:

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(1) Synthesis of adhesives from lignin, starch and DDGS (2) Characterization of synthesized adhesives (Spectral analysis, viscosity and thermal analysis) (3) Process optimization of the synthesis process (Effect of process variables on the yield of adhesives) (4) Rheological analysis of the adhesives (5) Binding efficiency with papers or with corrugated paper-boards and mechanical testing and comparison with starch-based counterparts (6) Comparing mechanical performance of the developed materials with commercial products (7) Possible Intellectual property (IP) protection and other commercialization activities of engineered/developed formulations/product through university of Guelph’s business development office (8) Dissemination of research outputs in various seminars, conferences and peer reviewed journals Benefits Today Ontarian farmer is facing pressure due to increased productivity and weakened value-chain and decreased income. The sector is looking towards multi-dimensional value chains with improved farm revenues. Material applications will create new niche markets for agro-residues and expects to improve the economic sustainability of agriculture. Our project looks to create valued-added bioproducts from Canadian feedstock and immediate manufacturing and commercialization opportunities which is the main priority area for OMAFRA. The usage of undervalued by-products (lignin, DDGS) for the development of high value bioadhesives along with starch would help the following : 1. Corn growers: DDGS is co-product from corn based ethanol industry. The utilization of DDGS in valueadded industrial uses can create an additional market, thus improving the economics of the corn farming and ethanol industries.

2. Biofuel Industries: Utilization of lignin (currently a low value coproducts from ligno-cellulosic ethanol as well as pulp and paper industries ) and DDGS for value-added uses will maximize the revenue of the biofuel value-chain.

3. Agro-based Bioproducts for Sustainability Improvement: Our current proposal looks to develop novel green bioadhesives from low cost agro-based feedstock including DDGS, lignin and starch. There is increased demand for biobased products at affordable cost that can effectively penetrate into the market which can improve the environmental footprint while meeting the consumer pull for greener products. The utilization of low cost agro-based raw materials like DDGS and lignin will help in developing bioproducts that can fulfill aforementioned requirements. The utilization of hybrid technology for developing bioproducts i.e. adopting

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multiple feedstock will help in large scale continuous market supply affordable cost limits their large volume use. Bioadhesives from agro-residues would result in new sustainable materials with superior performance required for paperboard applications. Also, this approach will enhance the sustainability by improved carbon footprint and reduced dependency on fossil feedstock.

4. Rural Development through Green Manufacturing: There is a need for accessible expertise community to exchange new knowledge and information for the advancement of rural life. The proposed innovative research will strengthen economically as well as socially integrated rural‐urban linkages, selected green manufacturing and natural resources.

Co-Funder List • • • •

EcoSynthetix Inc University of Guelph Green Field Ethanol Inc. Casco Inc

Team Member Collaborating Researcher

1. Dr. Manjusri Misra University of Guelph 2. Dr. Qiang Liu

AAFC Guelph Food Research Centre Collaborating Researcher

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title

Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

Biodegradable and Biobased Engineering Materials through New Green Chemistry for Agricultural Film and Sustainable Materials Uses UofG2013-1728

Funding Program

OMAFRA - U of G Research

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses Biodegradable, Green Chemistry, Flexible packaging, Amar Mohanty University of Guelph 01/09/2014 End Date 31/08/2017

Abstract The project involves an interactive collaboration among three Ontarian industries (Alte Rego Corp., Biox Corp. and Competitive Green Technologies) and a non-for-profit organization (Bioindustrial Innovation Canada). The idea is to design and engineer a new cost-competitive biodegradable plastic matrix, which can be used for eco-friendly agricultural mulch film and flexible packaging purposes. This new biodegradable blend incorporates two under-valued industrial co-products in its composition to achieve a satisfactory balance between cost and performance of the new product. Glycerol, the co-product from biodiesel industry, and agricultural residues are proposed as raw materials for synthesizing value added biomaterials to substitute the costly starch plastic being currently used. Hyperbranched polyesters from crude glycerol and succinic acid can be obtained through low cost green chemistry processes. The resulting bio-polyester on reactive blending with bioplastics like polylactides (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) is targeted as new biodegrable plastic for further reinforcement with low content of powdered biomass and biochar in engineering films for packaging uses. Successful development of these new biodegradable and biobased products could help to enhance rural economy and to create opportunities for farmers and producers of biodiesel to find new value added applications for their co-products, boosting the bio-economy and biorefinery development.

Objectives The proposed project aims to develop biobased biodegradable films using cheap additives such as biomass powders (powdered natural fibres), biochar and glycerol polyesters. The major objectives of this work are outlined as: (1) Blending of polybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid (PLA) and glycerol polyester to optimize the required rheological and mechanical properties in bioplastic matrix, (2) Evaluation of different pretreatments for natural fibre powders, biochar and its effects on optimized bioplastic matrix – biocomposite properties (3) Fabrication and characterization of biocomposites with optimized bioplastic matrix to determine optimum biochar/natural fibre load, (4) Film development using optimized composite and characterization of mechanical, thermal and barrier properties, (5) Biodegradation studies of

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composites according to ASTM standards, (6) Development of process engineering to optimize the full composite fabrication for pilot scale (7) Possible Intellectual Property (IP) protection and other commercialization activities of engineered formulations, (8) Dissemination of research outputs in various scientific journals/conferences/seminars.

Benefits 1)Farmers could find a cheaper biodegradable film alternative in the market that can broaden the efforts involved in replacing the traditional non-biodegradable mulch films. This would result in drastic reduction of (i) the landfill waste produced on farms after harvest and ii) the costs associated with films removal and disposal for farmers.

2)Biodiesel producers could find new value added applications for undervalued glycerol co-product which can help to increase the commercial value of this industrial co-product and to alleviate the surplus of crude glycerol expected to come from biodiesel industry expansion in Ontario. Also, small scale biodiesel producers in rural environments could find higher revenues from providing their crude glycerol to refining facilities for improving the quality of the feedstock to technical glycerol (98 wt% glycerol). The sustainability of the biodiesel industry as a whole could be enhanced by realizing these new value added applications for technical glycerol.

3)Agro based industries and farms could find new markets for their residues, providing these residues as a feedstock with enhanced market value to polymer processing industries for using as a reinforcement (powdered biomass from fibre chopping) or to pyrolysis facilities for being transformed to biochar (agricultural residues from harvest). In this way, improved utilization of biomass wastes and co-products could create additional revenues for agricultural sector with a huge impact in Ontario economy.

4)Succinic acid producers would find new markets for commercializing their product, due to the use of succinic acid and technical glycerol in the synthesis of biobased polyesters. The successful commercialization of these new films and packagings could provide a big opportunity for expanding the biobased sector in Ontario. Particularly, this project could complement the efforts towards creating an industrial biobased cluster in Ontario by providing new markets for biobased succinic acid produced locally in Sarnia which is expected to start operations in 2014. The establishment of these new markets for biobased succinic acid in polymer industry could greatly boost the development of an agro-based cluster in Ontario, creating new revenues and job opportunities for biomass producers who would supply the feedstock for fermentation to biobased succinic acid producers.

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Co-Funder List • • • •

Bioindustrial Innovation Canada CGTech BIOX Corp.

Alte Rego Corp.

Team Member 1. Dr. Manjusri Misra

University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

2. Mr. Name1 Name2

University of Guelph UofG Graduate Student

3. Dr. POSTDOC FELLOW University of Guelph UofG Post Doc Fellow

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

Development of Russian Dandelion as a Rubber Crop for Ontario UofG2011-1005

Funding Program

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses rubber, russian dandelion, breeding, agronomy David Wolyn University of Guelph 01/05/2012 End Date

OMAFRA - U of G Research

30/04/2015

Abstract Natural rubber is a strategic commodity, necessary for many applications including airplane and heavy equipment tires. Prices have increased 10-fold since 2001 due to expanding economies in Asia and demand is expected to exceed supply in the coming decade. The world’s supply, coming from rubber trees in Southeast Asia, is vulnerable to political instability and disease. Consequently, development of a domestic rubber source is important for national security and the economy. The Russian Dandelion was found during World War II to be adapted to Southern Canada and provide rubber in its roots of equivalent quality to that tapped from the rubber tree. The crop can be grown as an annual in rotations and preliminary market analysis indicates returns compare favorably to those of other major crops. The overall objectives of this grant are to breed populations of Russian Dandelion with high yield and adaptation to Southern Ontario and develop agronomic practices such that the crop can be grown effectively when the first cultivar is released.

Specifically, research includes recurrent selection, development of methodologies to effectively select for establishment under water stress, optimization of vegetative propagation and greenhouse conditions for seed production, herbicide testing and general agronomy.

Objectives The objectives of this research program are to: 1) Funded by leverage dollars: • Conduct recurrent selection to improve rubber content of open-pollinated populations.

• Develop commercial production recommendations that include: - Seed production- harvesting cleaning and storage - Planting-field preparation, planting depth, timing - Fertility requirements - Harvest methods and timing - Post-harvest handling and storage • Provide collected information to all interested stakeholders to help further the development of this

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potential industry.

2) Funded by this request: • Develop an in vitro protocol to select for rapid germination under water stress.

• Conduct a selection experiment for improved establishment under water stress.

• Optimize winter greenhouse growth conditions to maximize seed production for research.

• Optimize vegetative propagation of elite selections for seed production.

• Conduct preliminary herbicide trials under greenhouse conditions.

Benefits Breeding and domestication of Russian Dandelion for rubber production and complementary development of optimized agronomic practices will provide growers with a profitable new crop; value per hectare can reach $4,000 (natural rubber-$1,800 and inulin-$2,200). Inulin is a fructan carbohydrate that can be fermented into ethanol, or used in foods as a prebiotic. The production of latex would also be very profitable (~$7,000/ha). This new crop can especially be an important alternative to tobacco in Southern Ontario. Economic spin-offs could include the development of local extraction and manufacturing facilities, thereby, developing a complete value chain.

Co-Funder List • • • •

OMAFRA - New Directions Bridgestone Canada Lanxess Inc. Advanced Foods and Materials Canada (AFM)

Team Member Collaborating Researcher

1. Dr. Jim Todd

OMAFRA

2. Mr. Olivier Stoffyn

University of Guelph Technician

7. Mr. John Kelly

University of Guelph Industry Collaborator

12. Ms. Katrina Hodgson-Kratky University of Guelph UofG Graduate Student 13. Mr. Robert Grohs

University of Guelph UofG Technician

14. Dr. Rene Van Acker

University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

15. Dr. David Wolyn

University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

Development of Russian Dandelion as a New RubberProducing Crop for Ontario UofG2013-1468

Funding Program

OMAFRA - U of G Research

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses,Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses breeding, rubber, Russian Dandelion, agronomy David Wolyn University of Guelph 01/05/2014 End Date 30/04/2017

Abstract Natural rubber is a strategic commodity, necessary for many applications including airplane and heavy equipment tires. Prices have increased 10-fold since 2001 due to expanding economies in Asia and demand is expected to exceed supply in the coming decade. The world’s supply, coming from rubber trees in Southeast Asia, is vulnerable to political instability and disease. Consequently, development of a domestic rubber source is important for national security and the economy. The Russian Dandelion was found during World War II to be adapted to Southern Canada and provide rubber of equivalent quality to that of the rubber tree. A significant opportunity exists to develop a new and profitable crop for growers in Ontario with additional economic opportunities in extraction, processing and manufacturing. The objectives of this grant are to breed populations of Russian Dandelion with high rubber yield and adaptation to two soil types in Southern Ontario and conduct agronomic studies to improve germination and establishment.

Objectives The objectives of the project are to: 1) conduct three cycles of half-sib recurrent selection to improve rubber concentrations and yields in Russian Dandelion populations adapted to sandy and loamy soils, which will form the basis of new open-pollinated cultivars that can be trialed by growers; and, 2) conduct agronomic studies to improve germination and establishment on bare soils.

Benefits na

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Co-Funder List •

Bridgestone Corporation

Team Member 1. Mr. Olivier Stoffyn University of Guelph UofG Technician 2. Dr. Rene Van Acker University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus) OMAFRA Staff

3. Dr. Jim Todd

OMAFRA

4. Dr. Tariq Akhtar

University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

5. Mr. Robert Grohs University of Guelph UofG Technician

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title

Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

Creating a Technical Knowledge Platform to Validate Personal Care Applications of PHYTOSPHERIX Polysaccharide Nanoparticles UofG2013-1695

Funding Program

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses polysaccharide nanoparticles, corn, technical data John Dutcher University of Guelph 01/06/2014 End Date

OMAFRA - U of G Research

31/05/2016

Abstract The present proposal builds on the successes of the current and past OMAFRA projects on PHYTOSPHERIX polysaccharide nanoparticles. We have studied in detail the optimization of the selection of corn varieties and the scale up of the particle production process, and now we have the opportunity to focus on generating a technical knowledge platform that is necessary to translate the technology to the marketplace as specialized ingredients for personal care formulations. We will focus on detailed characterization of several remarkable properties of the particles: water retention and film forming ability, UV protection, and emulsion stabilization. These data are necessary to validate claims to convince potential customers of the technical advantages of the technology for their products. This technical knowledge platform is coupled with a projected low cost of production at full scale that will allow the PHYTOSPHERIX technology to compete aggressively in many personal care markets. The potential benefit for many groups in Ontario is huge: farmers who will grow the corn, workers in the manufacturing facility that will produce and chemically modify the particles, personal care companies who can incorporate the PHYTOSPHERIX particles into their formulations, and consumers who will benefit from better formulations.

Objectives 1) To scientifically and quantitatively characterize the unique physical properties of PHYTOSPHERIX. 2) To generate key data for validation of the technical advantages of PHYTOSPHERIX particles for use as a variety of specialized ingredients in personal care formulations.

3) To perform comparisons between the performance of PHYTOSPHERIX particles as personal care ingredients and that of leading competitor products.

4) To train two highly qualified personnel in generating data that is directly relevant to validating claims associated with use of PHYTOSPHERIX particles in personal care formulations.

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Benefits The project will generate a technical knowledge platform on key, unique properties of PHYTOSPHERIX particles, a natural nanomaterial that is extracted from corn, is low-cost and is completely safe (edible).

These data are necessary for translating the technology into the marketplace as a variety of ingredients for personal care formulations. Specifically, these data will demonstrate the technical advantages of the particles over competing technologies, while offering an inherently safe profile.

The main beneficiary of the research results is Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc., a University of Guelph start-up company that is currently marketing PHYTOSPHERIX products for use in personal care product formulations.

The Mirexus business plan shows that it has the potential to grow to a $100M plus business in the next few years, based in Guelph. Mirexus would employ over 200 people within 10 years, most of whom would be local. Other beneficiaries include Ontario farmers who will grow specific cultivars of corn that will be used to produce the particles; Ontario workers who will benefit from job creation related to the manufacturing and chemical modification of the particles; Ontario personal care companies who will be able to incorporate the particles into their formulations; and, ultimately, Ontario consumers who will benefit from the incorporation of the particles in personal care formulations.

Opportunities in Personal Care: The opportunities for PHYTOSPHERIX particles in personal care applications are extremely promising. For example, the organic personal care global market is worth $8B/y with a 10% growth rate (Transparency Market Research). Of this market, skin moisturizing agents represent a $5B/y market with a 3% growth rate (cosmeticsdesign.com) and sun protection boosters represent a $1B/y market with a 4% growth rate (IBIS World). When the manufacturing of PHYTOSPHERIX particles is scaled to full production, it will be possible to produce the nanoparticles at a low cost that is at least a factor of 1000 less than the current price of glycogen (BAC Report, 2013), and also to provide a low cost alternative for hyaluronic acid, which has a $2.5 B market worldwide.

Co-Funder List •

Mirexus Biotechnologies Inc.

Team Member 1. Dr. Postdoctoral Fellow University of Guelph UofG Post Doc Fellow 2. Ms. M.Sc. Student

University of Guelph UofG Graduate Student

3. Dr. Anton Korenevski

Collaborators

Non-UofG Collaborator

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Research-to-Go

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Summary of current research funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Affairs-University of Guelph Partnership

Project Title Submission number Theme(s) Key words Lead Applicant Organization Start Date

A New Yeast Process for Valorizing Biodiesel Crude Glycerol and Ethanol Stillage UofG2013-1588

Funding Program

Bioeconomy - Industrial Uses yeast, stillage, glycerol, oil Rob Nicol University of Guelph 01/06/2014 End Date

OMAFRA - U of G Research

31/05/2016

Abstract Distillers corn oil (DCO), derived from stillage generated during ethanol production, represents an inexpensive feedstock for manufacturing biodiesel. DCO production by the US corn to ethanol industry has recently experienced dramatic growth, from 40.5 million gallons in 2011 to 76 million gallons in 2012, and an estimated 75% of US corn ethanol producers will be recovering DCO by 2014. An informal survey of the Canadian biofuel industry suggests similar DCO growth trends are currently underway. Because the use of DCO for biodiesel is in its infancy, opportunities exist to improve upon the process and add value to the residual material. We propose to investigate the use of yeasts, in particular the newly described oleaginous yeast strains Galactomyces geotrichum(1) and Yarrowia lipolytica(2), to yield additional oil from stillage and increase the protein content of residual stillage destined for animal feed. Preliminary results from the PI’s lab indicate that G. geotrichum can thrive and produce copious amounts of oil in media composed only of stillage and biofuel wastes. The task now is to optimize and scale-up cultivation, demonstrate enhanced oil yield and stillage protein content and evaluate the quality of yeast oil for biodiesel or other value-added applications.

Objectives The overall goal, developed in consultation with Kawartha, is to optimize a new process of obtaining oil and protein synthesized by yeasts cultivated with biofuel co-products and compare yields to current industrial practices. This will be accomplished by: 1. determining the effect of crude glycerol contaminants (methanol, unreacted organic fraction) on oil production by G. geotrichum F24 and V22 and Y. lipolytica JDC 335 2. determining the optimal ratio of glycerol and stillage for yeast oil production 3. scaling-up the optimized yeast cultivation using ethanol stillage and biodiesel crude glycerol in an 8 L bioreactor

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4. analyzing the quality (content of waxes, fatty acids, calcium, phospholipids) of yeast oil for value added applications 5. determining protein content of residual yeast and cultivation medium 6. comparing the quantity and quality of oil from the yeast process to DCO and comparing protein content of residual medium to distillers dried grains Benefits Purpose grown or residual agricultural substrates are a main feedstock for both first generation and next generation biofuel production. Due to the high cost of feedstock transportation, biofuel production is often closely linked with rural communities, a fact often observed in our current and previous industrial ethanol and biodiesel partners. These partners would directly benefit from the proposed research in several ways.

The use of biodiesel crude glycerol in a yeast-based process would add to the current glycerol end uses of combustion and anaerobic digestion, thereby creating flexibility for producers and supporting the price of a low value commodity. The corn to ethanol industry would benefit by the creation of a new revenue stream (i.e. yeast oil) and by the addition of value to distillers dried grains destined for animal feed in the form of increased protein content. A recent development in the nutritional supplements industry is the creation and marketing of vegetarian omega-3 fatty acids sourced from algae, and alternative plant oils are also becoming prevalent in skin creams and related products. Additional economic benefits may therefore be captured if the oil from G. geotrichum is found to contain specialty fatty acids useful to the nutrition or cosmetic industries.

Historically, Canada has been an important renewable energy player, and one recent estimate suggests that the economic impact of biofuels alone is over $2 billion annually(3). Increased activity in this sector will aid in the successful transition to a bioeconomy based on renewable agricultural resources, thus yielding positive social, economic and environmental benefits to the agricultural sector. Displacement of petroleum products with locally produced biofuels and bioproducts will create new rural employment opportunities as well as lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions from industrial and transportation sources.

Co-Funder List • •

NSERC Kawartha Ethanol

Team Member 1. Dr. Hung Lee

University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

2. Dr. Brandon Gilroyed University of Guelph UofG Faculty (On Campus)

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For more information on these projects (including results) and many more please visit: www.uoguelph.ca/ktt/searchRP and www.uoguelph.ca/research/Bioecon

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