Selection Year: FY2021
Project Title: Commercialization of Terephthalic Acid and Polyester Production Technologies from Unused Biomass Resources for the Revitalization of Agriculture and Forestry
Principal Investigator: Seiji Nakagame, Associate Professor, Kanagawa Institute of Technology
- Background
Importance and Challenges of Utilizing Unused Biomass Resources
As efforts to mitigate global warming intensify, there is a growing demand to reduce CO₂ emissions, and the importance of utilizing renewable biomass resources is expected to increase accordingly. However, many non-edible biomass resources are currently used primarily for energy purposes, such as heat generation and power production. Technologies that convert the components of biomass into valuable substances and use them as alternatives to fossil resource–derived compounds—so-called material utilization technologies—remain largely at the research and development stage.
Worldwide, research and development efforts are underway to shift the production of terephthalic acid, a key raw material for polyesters, from fossil resources to biomass resources. Nevertheless, these approaches face challenges, including the need for large amounts of energy and chemical reagents. In addition, the complexity of the manufacturing processes often results in high capital costs due to the large number of processing steps involved. We are developing technologies that have the potential to address and overcome these challenges.
- Overview of the Project
Working to replace fossil resource–derived materials through the utilization of unused biomass resources
The technology currently being developed under this Program involves the production of terephthalic acid through a fermentation process using microorganisms that produce p-tolualdehyde, an intermediate precursor of terephthalic acid. Because this approach employs biological methods, terephthalic acid can be manufactured under mild conditions, which is expected to lead to a reduction in energy consumption during production.
In addition, p-tolualdehyde can be produced in a single step from sugars derived from biomass resources, making it possible to reduce the number of process steps required for terephthalic acid production and potentially lower capital costs. By utilizing unused biomass resources as raw materials for terephthalic acid, we also aim to contribute to the revitalization of rural communities.
- Future Outlook
Aiming to commercialize initiatives that contribute to mitigating global warming and revitalizing rural communities
To further advance the commercialization of our ongoing efforts in the production of terephthalic acid and polyesters from unused biomass resources, we are accumulating fundamental knowledge while also examining scale-up possibilities and developing concrete business models. We will continue to work diligently toward commercialization that contributes to mitigating global warming and revitalizing ru
- About the Program
Comprehensive hands-on support provided by highly specialized professionals is a key attraction
I applied to this Program based on the perspective of identifying what type of project would be most suitable for bringing my research into practical application within the shortest possible timeframe. One of the most compelling aspects of this Program is the richness of its hands-on support.
For example, project managers and candidates for executive leadership roles who are actively working at the forefront of various industries work closely with us to consider and propose optimal approaches for translating the perspectives essential for commercialization, significantly broadening our outlook as we move toward bringing our research to market.
- Message
We welcome researchers, engineers, and students who are interested in working with us on this research and aiming for its practical application, as well as companies that have an interest in the research content, to contact us.
A Framework for Producing Polyesters from Unused Resources
