Page 176 - CW E-Magazine (14-5-2024)

News from Abroad

NOVEL INGREDIENT
Checkerspot gets patent for non-genetically

engineered high-oleic microalgae oil

Checkerspot, a biotechnology com- classical strain improvement, The high level of oleic acid
pany creating a better source of oil, has which leverages micro- also contributes to improved
announced a new development in the algae’s natural evolutionary stability and a long shelf-life
production of a non- genetically engi- properties. It leaned on its for the neutral-tasting oil.
neered high-oleic acid algae oil ingredi- molecular biology platform
ent. The advancement has been detailed to achieve the targeted com- “Traditional methods of
in the paper “Microalgae’s impact on position without the use of strain optimisation have often
human and animal nutrition” published genetic engineering, and been eclipsed by genetic en-
in the journal Inform by the American recently received a US patent gineering techniques in the
Oil Chemists’ Society. for the technology. biotechnology industry. However, our
success in producing a microalgae oil
There is a strong demand for ingre- The oil’s high level of monounsatu- with extremely high levels of oleic acid
dients and products without a genetically rated fatty acids at >85% of total fatty through classical strain improvement
engineered origin in many industry acids offers versatility and functionality, techniques demonstrates the untapped
segments, including nutrition, personal making it an ideal ingredient for a wide potential of solutions through micro-
care, and food. This market demand range of products. In the food space, algae and offers a non-genetically engi-
and lack of alternatives on the market this level of monounsaturated omega neered source of this oil for wide global
served as one of the driving factors for 9s, considered “good” fats, is higher market adoption,” remarked Mr. Scott
Checkerspot to develop a process for than most olive and avocado oils, which Franklin, Chief Scientific Officer and
making a high-oleic oil made through settle around 70% of total fatty acids. co-founder of Checkerspot.

WASTE TO FUELS
Kent bags FEED contract for Fulcrum Bioenergy’s

UK SAF project

Kent, a leading engineering and work in the UK. The project has
project management company, said it received a significant boost with the
has been awarded the FEED (Front End allocation of a UK Government Grant
Engineering Design) contract for a Sustain- under the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF).
able Aviation Fuel (SAF) project in UK.
The scope of Kent’s responsibili-
Fulcrum BioEnergy, a leading US- ties encompasses engineering services,
based clean energy company, has chosen cost-estimating, identification of long
Kent for its NorthPoint project designed lead procurement items, managing
to convert approximately 600-kt of pre- multiple licensors, and execution plan-
processed waste into 100-million litres of ning. This comprehensive approach
SAF. is designed to support tendering for
engineering, procurement, and construc-
With a focus on developing pro- tion (EPC) and ultimately pave the
jects to produce net-zero transport fuels way for the project to achieve financial
from waste, Fulcrum has successfully investment decision (FID). The physical
built its first plant in the US and is now Kent’s involvement builds upon scope includes process plant units,
expanding internationally, making its its prior collaboration with Fulcrum, utilities, third-party connections, and
first commercial-scale venture in the UK. where the company provided study the waste feedstock receipt facility.

176 Chemical Weekly May 14, 2024

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