BP, DuPont's start-up JV Butamax Advanced Biofuels receives patent for its isobutanol producing biocatalyst

Rachel Carter

WILMINGTON, Delaware , December 16, 2010 (press release) – ButamaxTM Advanced Biofuels, LLC today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted a patent number 7851188 encompassing Butamax’s isobutanol producing biocatalyst. The patent entitled “Fermentive Production of Four Carbon Alcohols” is a further demonstration of Butamax’s pioneering science in industrial biotechnology and its application to the biofuel market.

Butamax has filed an extensive patent portfolio for its proprietary technology across the biofuel value chain, including biocatalyst, bioprocess and fuels. A number of Butamax's patent applications have been successfully accepted into the USPTO's Green Technology Pilot Program for accelerated review.

“This biocatalyst patent is a reflection of our first-mover position in isobutanol. As more of our patent portfolio matures, our patents will play an important role in our efforts to develop and commercialize biobutanol for the global transport fuel market," said Tim Potter, CEO of ButamaxTM.

Butamax announced in November the start-up of a technology laboratory in Paulinia, Brazil. In addition, the Butamax Technology Demonstration facility in Hull, England is also in start-up phase. Potter added, “We look forward to sharing more details about our commercialization efforts in the near future.”

About ButamaxTM

ButamaxTM Advanced Biofuels, LLC was formed to develop and commercialize biobutanol as a next generation renewable biofuel for the transport market. The company benefits from the synergy of DuPont’s proven industrial biotechnology experience and BP’s global fuels market knowledge. Butamax’s proprietary technology offers a cost-advantaged manufacturing process with value from field to pump. Globally focused with operations on four continents, Butamax is poised for commercial launch from 2012/2013.

* All content is copyrighted by Industry Intelligence, or the original respective author or source. You may not recirculate, redistrubte or publish the analysis and presentation included in the service without Industry Intelligence's prior written consent. Please review our terms of use.