Marine Microbes in Green Manufacturing

International Society of Automation (8/12) – New technology designed to analyze large numbers of novel marine microbes could lead to more efficient and greener ways to manufacture new drugs as well as improving the manufacture of other products such as agrochemicals…Microorganisms account for more than 95% of ocean biomass, but relatively little is really known about them and their potential applications. The research team’s search is for industrially relevant enzymes, which will reduce waste and increase productivity in the manufacture of drugs and agrochemicals. The enzymes they seek have the ability to convert compounds that would have previously been waste products in the manufacturing process, into the desired product, therefore increasing the efficiency of the process.

“We are now identifying microbes with a type of enzyme called an amine oxidase. This could be key to cheaper, more efficient, and sustainable process in the synthesis of valuable chemicals by both the pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries,” he said.