The Future of Rubber: Sustainable Production Through Synthetic Biology
In the rapidly evolving field of synthetic biology, Paris-based startup baCta is making waves with its innovative approach to producing natural rubber. By harnessing genetically engineered Escherichia coli bacteria, the company has developed a carbon-neutral method that could transform the rubber industry while significantly reducing environmental impact.
Breaking Free from Traditional Rubber Production
Currently, global rubber production is split evenly between:
- Synthetic rubber: Derived from petroleum
- Natural rubber: Harvested from Hevea tree latex
Both methods present sustainability challenges. While natural rubber might seem eco-friendly, it often leads to deforestation as land is cleared for rubber tree plantations. Meanwhile, synthetic rubber relies on fossil fuels, contributing to carbon emissions.
BaCta’s Breakthrough Technology
baCta’s solution involves:
- Using engineered E. coli bacteria to produce natural rubber in vitro
- Employing renewable feedstocks (currently glucose, with plans to expand to acetate and carbon)
- Leveraging synthetic AI enzyme technology for efficient polymerization
“Our approach enables polymerization of rubber inside bacteria,” explains Mathieu Nohet, baCta’s CEO and founder. “This makes us much more efficient in terms of yield and cost per kilogram.”
Funding and Future Plans
The startup recently secured €3.3 million ($3.6 million) in pre-seed funding to:
- Scale production from milligrams to industrial quantities
- Transition from lab to pilot-scale fermentation (100-200 liter cultures)
- Achieve price competitiveness with conventional rubber
Investors include OVNI Capital, another.vc, Kima Ventures, and prominent business angels from the Hexa team and Gourmey.
Environmental and Commercial Advantages
baCta’s method offers several key benefits:
- Carbon neutral production with potential to remove millions of tons of CO2
- Hypoallergenic properties by removing allergy-triggering proteins
- Sequential market entry starting with luxury fashion before expanding to industrial applications
The Road Ahead
baCta aims to:
- Reach pilot scale within 18 months
- Raise additional funding for pre-industrial scale production
- Eventually expand into isoprenoid production for pharmaceutical and industrial uses
“Rubber is an ideal first product because it’s widely understood and used,” notes Nohet. “This helps build momentum for our mission of sustainable chemical production.”
As environmental regulations tighten and companies seek greener alternatives, baCta’s innovative approach could position them at the forefront of sustainable materials innovation.
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