Scale-Up and Optimization of Biotechnological Production of Renewable Glycolic Acid

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Phycus Biotechnologies Inc. is a Markham, Ontario based company that has developed a unique fermentation process for production of glycolic acid. Specifically, Phycus uses a microbial process to produce glycolic acid that is 100% biobased. Through fermentation, Phycus' proprietary microbe converts plant-based feedstock to glycolic acid, which is an alternative approach compared to conventional glycolic acid production that uses non-renewable formaldehyde as the starting material. Presently, Phycus' glycolic acid product, Purolic AcidTM, is sold as a 70% cosmetic grade solution. Phycus not only brings an alternative to fossil sources, but also helps reduce the carbon footprint because the product starts as carbon dioxide derived from the atmosphere. Phycus has made additional genetic modifications to its glycolic acid producing strain, altering the genes that control the cells' energy metabolism and certain degradation pathways. In collaboration with Lambton College, Phycus seeks to scale-up their fermentation and downstream processes needed for large-scale manufacturing of glycolic acid. Through access to Lambton College's bioreactors and related microbiology analysis and propagation equipment, this project will focus on downstream processing of fermentation products and chromatography systems for quantification of glycolic acid. The success of this project will allow Phycus to improve productivity of their process at pre-commerical scale and further support design changes for a commercial scale facility. This increased productivity and yield improvements will drive down Phycus' captialcosts and increase their profit margins, allowing them to create new jobs and grow their team. In addition, this project will support the training of several Lambton College staff and students in a growing sector of the economy. The successful commercialization of a biobased glycolic acid not only provides a substitute for fossil fuels, but it will also help reduce the carbon footprint of cosmetic companies.