Capturing carbon to create specialty chemicals

A new project funded by Genome BC seeks to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and funnel them into an algae farm to manufacture a range of specialty chemicals through photosynthesis.
“Not only will capturing emissions go a long way towards meeting these aggressive targets, they also represent an untapped resource that can be monetized using effective carbon conversion platforms,” said Vikramaditya G. Yadav, associate professor, chemical and biological engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC). “Biological carbon capture and conversion is a compelling alternative since it offers the possibility of converting CO₂ to high value chemicals that can be profitable at scale.”
This collaborative research brings the the talents of Prof. Yadav together with Phytonix Corporation to establish a unique B.C.-based manufacturing facility and biosynthetic platform to produce a range of specialty chemicals.
“If successful, the project will be a constructive step towards sustainable decarbonization through biological carbon capture and conversion,” said Patrick Neill, director of engineering, Phytonix. “It will also aid Phytonix in diversifying its product portfolio opening entirely new, highly profitable markets for the company.”
Prof. Yadav’s laboratory is a global leader in enzyme engineering and synthetic biology, and Phytonix Corporation is an authority on industrial photosynthesis.
Chemical by-products from the production of fossil fuels have a wide variety of uses. These molecular compounds are highly valued and used to make everything from shampoo bottles, bleach containers and plastic wrap, while others are used in the fragrance and flavour industries.
However, these specialty chemicals can be difficult and expensive to produce and contribute to high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
“This project leverages the strengths of both partners and presents a viable opportunity for genomics innovation in B.C.,” said Lisette Mascarenhas, Genome BC’s sector director, agrifood and natural resources.  “Successfully advancing this platform will lead to the establishment of a unique process that could achieve the province’s twin goals of decarbonization and value creation from natural resources.”
The efficient capture of CO₂ emitted by industrial facilities such as natural gas production, cement plants, or wastewater treatment plants, to name just a few, is a central pillar of the province’s CleanBC plan to reduce climate pollution and build a low-carbon economy.
Phytonix and partners have engineered a process to manufacture solvents such as butanol and isobutanol from CO₂and are currently scaling the technology towards commercialization. Through this initiative, Phytonix looks to diversify its products to include high-value speciality chemicals, particularly fragrances and flavours.