Genomatica (San Diego) intends to develop enzymatic pathways for the production of the chemical building blocks hexamethylenediamine, adipic acid and caprolactam – which are essential in production of nylon.
- Genomatica reached a milestone that epitomizes a shift from fossil fuels to biology making nylon-6—using a biobased renewable fermentation approach.
- Using a synthetic biology approach, Genomatica engineered microorganisms to ferment plant sugars to produce caprolactam, and therefore nylon, in a 100% renewable way.
- On a common note, Bio-nylon 6 can be produced from renewable resources such as castor oil, and the process involves the use of microorganisms such as Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas taiwanensis. The bacteria can convert cyclohexanol into adipic acid, which is a key component of nylon-6.
Globally, Avantium, by the way, produces that polymer from sugar using ordinary chemical catalysis. Just like Rennovia does in the production of biobased adipic acid (also a precursor to caprolactam).
Many of these new biotechnological processes combine an enzymatic catalytic step with one or more chemo-catalytic steps.
India has a high demand for nylon and its applications, such as textiles, fashion, and electronics, which account for about 40% of the global nylon consumption. We have a large and diverse biomass potential, estimated at about 500 million tons per year, that can be used for various bio-based products, including Bio nylon.
India also has some existing and planned policies to support Bio nylon, such as the National Biofuel Policy 2018 and the National Hydrogen Energy Mission. So, India may be the greatest hub, offering a plethora of opportunities for bio nylon enterprises.
The worldwide bio-nylon market is anticipated to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8% from 2023 to 2030, reaching USD 10 billion, according to article and market research estimates.