GreenLab’s proprietary technology allows it to grow enzymes and other proteins inside a corn kernel. This makes it possible to scale up production across acres of cornfields, with little additional up-front capital and infrastructure. After the protein of interest is extracted from the kernel with minimal waste, most of the corn used will then proceed along the existing value chain, including food, feed or fuel.
PFAS degradation
PFAS, short for “per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances”, describes a group of manufactured chemicals that have commonly been used in nonstick and waterproofing agents for decades. They bear the moniker of ‘forever chemicals’ owing to their enduring nature and inability to break down in the environment. They are associated with many dangerous health effects including cancer, reproductive and immune system harm, and other diseases.
PFAS degradation is a significantly complex problem, and currently no PFAS-degrading enzymes have been commercialized. GreenLab aims to tackle this problem by leveraging Ginkgo Enzyme Services to discover and develop a novel enzyme for use in their PFAS degradation application. It is also working in a partnership with Allonia, a biotech company that has already developed a physical solution for separating and concentrating PFAS from water.
See the websites of GreenLab and Ginkgo Bioworks for more information
Image: Photoongraphy/Shutterstock
