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Celanese signs catalyst research agreement
F O C U S Biotech likely to be primary driver of innovation in the chemical industry A new industrial revolution is taking place as biotechnology becomes an increasingly important catalyst for innovation in the chemical industry. According to one speaker at a recent briefing in New York on industrial biotechnology, “The Third Wave in Biotechnology”, biotech is now the key driver in the chemical industry for the next 10 years. The effect of biotech is expected to be substantial, in particular in fine chemicals and some speciality chemicals areas. Around 20%, or $280 bn, of the entire chemicals market of $1400 bn in 2010 could be affected by biotech. Biotechnology has the potential to represent 60% of fine chemicals sales in 2010 (or $90 M), 10-15% of polymer sales ($370 M) and 10-15% of bulk chemical sales ($380 M). With petroleum feedstocks increasing in price and subsidies for renewable resources, there is a strong incentive to develop green processes. 2002 was also a watershed year for biotechnology on the legislative front. Chemical Market Reporter, 10 Feb 2003 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
Global biotechnology market expected to post ten-fold growth The worldwide industrial biotechnology market is predicted to achieve a ten-fold growth this decade, with a value of $100 bn by 2010, an increase from the range of $6 bn- $10 bn posted in 2001. Industrial biotechnology is being considered to be the third wave of biotechnology development, according to BIO. Biotechnology is now being utilized to convert the most abundant crops into environmentally sound fuels, chemicals and consumer materials. Examples of these are high fructose corn syrup from enzymes for use as sweetener in soft drinks, as well as proteases as ingredients of laundry detergents. Asia Pacific Chemicals, Feb-Mar 2003, 14 (1), 6
Biotechnology’s industrial wave The Third Wave in Biotechnology, a conference sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, focussed on the opportunities and
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hurdles facing companies seeking to move the production of fuels, chemicals, and consumer goods from fossil-based to bio-based raw materials. Industrial biotech is being described as the third wave – coming after pharmaceutical biotech and food biotech. According to a new report, by 2010 biotechnology will have an impact on 20% of the global chemical market – a slice amounting to $280 bn. Speed is picking up in the sector. Biocatalysts are becoming more stable, yields are rising, and there is increasing public pressure for industry to come up with safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Biotech will offer considerable benefits in the polymer market. By 2010, over 10% of polymers could involve biotech in either monomer production or polymerization. Several speakers at the conference emphasized the importance of partnerships between large chemical companies and agricultural or biotech companies. Meanwhile, breakthrough technologies are proving commercially viable. Chemical and Engineering News, 3 Feb 2003, 81 (5), 14
High enzyme demand sparks major giants Demand for speciality and industrial enzymes in the USA is expected to reach $2.6 bn in 2004, which is mainly attributed to the rise of novel biocatalysts. Biocatalysts can be utilised in the production of textiles and cosmetic products. Enzymes for diagnostic and medical applications had a total market value of $1.4 bn in 1999. Speciality enzymes will persist to dominate the US enzymes market due to its fast evolving use and preeminence in therapeutic applications. Performance Chemicals Europe (PCE), Feb-Mar 2003, 18 (1), 10
A steady rise for metallocene Consultants at Freedonia have forecast that, in 2006, demand in the US for metallocene and single-site polymers will be 2.18 M tonnes, following demand growth of 20%/y. These polymers will have a 10% market share (5% in 2001). Metallocene LLDPE will account for 30% of total LLDPE consumed but
metallocene HDPE and metallocene polypropylene will account for just 34% of their respective sectors. The main applications will be sheets and films. European Chemical News, 10 Feb 2003, 78 (2039), 12
COMPANY NEWS Altus using P 450 for making drug metabolites and optimizing drug leads Altus Biologics has developed new technology which allows it to offer drug metabolite production and lead optimization. This is based on P 450 enzyme systems. Altus can supply clients with a range of drug metabolites and oxidised drug derivatives. Its biotransformation technology mimics metabolism in the human body and gives access to a wider range of metabolites at an early stage of drug development. The technology is particularly suitable for scaling up production as the enzyme systems generate the target in a single step. PharmaChem, Nov-Dec 2002, 1 (11-12), 54 (B5 srl. Via Cesare da Sesto, 10-20123 Milan, Italy. Tel: +39 02 83241119. Fax: + 39 02 8376457. Website www.b5srl.com)
Asahi Kasei gets metallocene HDPE marketing rights from Dow Dow Chemical has sold the global marketing rights to Creolex HDPE to Asahi Kasei. Creolex is produced using a metallocene catalyst and the slurry process. The two companies jointly developed the process. Asahi Kasei hopes the deal will allow it to triple its sales of Creolex to 5000 tonne/y in 2003. Asahi Kasei will modify a 50,000 tonne/y plant in Mizushima to produce Creolex, Sunfine UHMWPE, and metallocenebased UHMWPE. Japan Chemical Week, 13 Feb 2003, 44 (2208), 1 & Chemical Week, 19 Feb 2003, 165 (7), 19 & Chimie Hebdo, 24 Feb 2003, (203), 9 (in French)
Celanese signs catalyst research agreement Celanese Ventures and Thales Technologies have signed an R&D
APRIL 2003
F O C U S agreement under which Thales will apply its high-throughput screening technology to discover new catalysts for Celanese’s polymer businesses. Chemical Week, 19 Feb 2003, 165 (7), 50
Chiral Quest awarded chiral BINOL patent Chiral Quest Inc announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent No 6,525,210 covering the compositions of matter for chiral phospholanes derived from enantiomerically pure BINOL to The Penn State Research Foundation, a non-profit corporation. Professor Xumu Zhang, Chiral Quest’s Chief Technology Officer, is the co-inventor on the patent with Dengming Xiao. Chiral Quest is the exclusive licensee of the patent. Key features of the patent include the synthesis from commercially available chiral BINOL and that these ligands are highly electron-donating. This is the third issued patent family that Chiral Quest has received an exclusive licence to. The prior two US patents were for the Ketalphos family (No 6,337,406) and the Pyphos family (No 6,380,392). Press release from: Chiral Quest Inc, 149 West Fairmount Avenue, State College, PA 16801, USA. Tel: +1 814 234 2348. Fax: +1 814 234 2494. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.chiralquest.com (25 Feb 2003)
Chiral Quest awarded patent on tunable chiral ligand Chiral Quest Inc announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent (No 6,521,769) covering the compositions of matter and use for a series of transition metal catalysts derived from chiral biaryl phosphines with a tunable dihedral angle to The Penn State Research Foundation, a non-profit corporation. Professor Xumu Zhang, Chiral Quest’s Chief Technology Officer is the inventor on the patent. Chiral Quest Inc is the exclusive licensee of the patent. Ruthenium-C-TunePhos complexes form excellent catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of beta-ketoesters and enol acetates. The key feature of the C-TunePhos family of ligands is their tunable dihedral angle to optimise enantioselectivity that result in high
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catalytic turnover activities. This family of ligands is available for purchase in Chiral Quest’s Tool Portfolio or in bulk quantities. C-TunePhos is the fourth family of ligands to be added to Chiral Quest’s patent portfolio. Press release from Chiral Quest Inc, 149 West Fairmount Avenue, State College, PA 16801, USA. Tel: +1 814 234 2348. Fax: +1 814 234 2494. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.chiralquest.com (27 Feb 2003)
Clariant launches better waxes Clariant have developed a new metallocene synthesis process which it claims can produce waxes with a precisely adjustable property profile, which can be set during manufacture. According to Clariant the new metallocene waxes are said to significantly improve the dispersion of organic and inorganic pigments and carbon black in polyolefins. They are able to achieve maximum results with previously difficult to disperse pigments, using lower levels of wax than are usually required. Clariant has extended its product range with low molecular weight metallocene waxes, and believes that applications in new areas are possible, for example transparent engineering thermoplastics, additive pigment concentrates, natural fibre reinforced polymers, and highly filled systems and compatibilizers. Plastics Additives and Compounding, Jan-Feb 2003, 5 (1), 13 & High Performance Plastics, Feb 2003, 3 & PPCJ, Polymers, Paint, Colour Journal, Jan 2003, 193 (4460), 42 & APCJ, Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, Feb 2003, 16 (1), 36
Codexis announces new product launched by partner Novozymes Codexis Inc announced that its partner Novozymes has launched two new products that were developed using Codexis’ proprietary MolecularBreeding directed evolution technologies. Novozymes has to date launched a total of three products which have been developed using Codexis’ MolecularBreeding directed evolution technologies. Codexis will receive royalties on net sales of the products, which address a range of customer needs in the food processing, pulp and paper, and laundry detergent markets.
Furthermore, Novozymes has advanced several additional products into late phases of development for application in the food and industrial markets which have benefited from the use of Codexis’ technologies. Novozymes enjoys an about 44% share of the $1.8 bn industrial enzyme market. Novozymes is a biotechbased world leader in industrial enzymes and microorganisms. The company produces and sells more than 500 enzyme products in 120 countries. Codexis Inc is a provider of biocatalysis and fermentation processes and products to the life science and fine chemical industries. Press release from Codexis Inc, 220, Penobscot, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA, Tel: +1 650 298 5300. Fax: +1 650 298 5449. Website: http://www.codexis.com) (24 Feb 2003)
Codexis announces extension of collaboration with Rio Tinto Codexis Inc has extended its collaboration with Rio Tinto. The collaboration focuses on the development of a novel bioprocess for carbon dioxide sequestration. In connection with the original Feb 2000 agreement, Codexis used its proprietary MolecularBreeding directed molecular evolution technologies to develop an enzymatic system that significantly improves the rate of carbon dioxide fixation. Rio Tinto will continue to provide full R&D funding for the programme in addition to potential royalty payments. Codexis will retain all commercialisation rights to the technology outside of the field of energy production. Press release from Codexis Inc, 220, Penobscot, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA. Tel: +1 650 298 5300. Fax: +1 650 298 5449. Website: http://www.codexis.com (27 Feb 2003)
Degussa completing disposals Degussa is pursuing a strategy of growth in speciality chemicals, particularly in speciality polymers, health, and nutrition, and divesting non-core assets. To date Degussa has divested 90% of its planned divestures, generating a turnover of €6.5 bn and exceeding net profits €3 bn. Degussa aims to achieve growth of 5%/y. Chemical Market Reporter, 17 Feb 2003 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
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Global biotechnology market expected to post ten-fold growth The worldwide industrial biotechnology market is predicted to achieve a ten-fold growth this decade, with a value of $100 bn by 2010, an increase from the range of $6 bn- $10 bn posted in 2001. Industrial biotechnology is being considered to be the third wave of biotechnology development, according to BIO. Biotechnology is now being utilized to convert the most abundant crops into environmentally sound fuels, chemicals and consumer materials. Examples of these are high fructose corn syrup from enzymes for use as sweetener in soft drinks, as well as proteases as ingredients of laundry detergents. Asia Pacific Chemicals, Feb-Mar 2003, 14 (1), 6
Biotechnology’s industrial wave The Third Wave in Biotechnology, a conference sponsored by the Biotechnology Industry Organization, focussed on the opportunities and
2
O N
C ATA LY S T S
hurdles facing companies seeking to move the production of fuels, chemicals, and consumer goods from fossil-based to bio-based raw materials. Industrial biotech is being described as the third wave – coming after pharmaceutical biotech and food biotech. According to a new report, by 2010 biotechnology will have an impact on 20% of the global chemical market – a slice amounting to $280 bn. Speed is picking up in the sector. Biocatalysts are becoming more stable, yields are rising, and there is increasing public pressure for industry to come up with safe, environmentally friendly and sustainable products. Biotech will offer considerable benefits in the polymer market. By 2010, over 10% of polymers could involve biotech in either monomer production or polymerization. Several speakers at the conference emphasized the importance of partnerships between large chemical companies and agricultural or biotech companies. Meanwhile, breakthrough technologies are proving commercially viable. Chemical and Engineering News, 3 Feb 2003, 81 (5), 14
High enzyme demand sparks major giants Demand for speciality and industrial enzymes in the USA is expected to reach $2.6 bn in 2004, which is mainly attributed to the rise of novel biocatalysts. Biocatalysts can be utilised in the production of textiles and cosmetic products. Enzymes for diagnostic and medical applications had a total market value of $1.4 bn in 1999. Speciality enzymes will persist to dominate the US enzymes market due to its fast evolving use and preeminence in therapeutic applications. Performance Chemicals Europe (PCE), Feb-Mar 2003, 18 (1), 10
A steady rise for metallocene Consultants at Freedonia have forecast that, in 2006, demand in the US for metallocene and single-site polymers will be 2.18 M tonnes, following demand growth of 20%/y. These polymers will have a 10% market share (5% in 2001). Metallocene LLDPE will account for 30% of total LLDPE consumed but
metallocene HDPE and metallocene polypropylene will account for just 34% of their respective sectors. The main applications will be sheets and films. European Chemical News, 10 Feb 2003, 78 (2039), 12
COMPANY NEWS Altus using P 450 for making drug metabolites and optimizing drug leads Altus Biologics has developed new technology which allows it to offer drug metabolite production and lead optimization. This is based on P 450 enzyme systems. Altus can supply clients with a range of drug metabolites and oxidised drug derivatives. Its biotransformation technology mimics metabolism in the human body and gives access to a wider range of metabolites at an early stage of drug development. The technology is particularly suitable for scaling up production as the enzyme systems generate the target in a single step. PharmaChem, Nov-Dec 2002, 1 (11-12), 54 (B5 srl. Via Cesare da Sesto, 10-20123 Milan, Italy. Tel: +39 02 83241119. Fax: + 39 02 8376457. Website www.b5srl.com)
Asahi Kasei gets metallocene HDPE marketing rights from Dow Dow Chemical has sold the global marketing rights to Creolex HDPE to Asahi Kasei. Creolex is produced using a metallocene catalyst and the slurry process. The two companies jointly developed the process. Asahi Kasei hopes the deal will allow it to triple its sales of Creolex to 5000 tonne/y in 2003. Asahi Kasei will modify a 50,000 tonne/y plant in Mizushima to produce Creolex, Sunfine UHMWPE, and metallocenebased UHMWPE. Japan Chemical Week, 13 Feb 2003, 44 (2208), 1 & Chemical Week, 19 Feb 2003, 165 (7), 19 & Chimie Hebdo, 24 Feb 2003, (203), 9 (in French)
Celanese signs catalyst research agreement Celanese Ventures and Thales Technologies have signed an R&D
APRIL 2003
F O C U S agreement under which Thales will apply its high-throughput screening technology to discover new catalysts for Celanese’s polymer businesses. Chemical Week, 19 Feb 2003, 165 (7), 50
Chiral Quest awarded chiral BINOL patent Chiral Quest Inc announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent No 6,525,210 covering the compositions of matter for chiral phospholanes derived from enantiomerically pure BINOL to The Penn State Research Foundation, a non-profit corporation. Professor Xumu Zhang, Chiral Quest’s Chief Technology Officer, is the co-inventor on the patent with Dengming Xiao. Chiral Quest is the exclusive licensee of the patent. Key features of the patent include the synthesis from commercially available chiral BINOL and that these ligands are highly electron-donating. This is the third issued patent family that Chiral Quest has received an exclusive licence to. The prior two US patents were for the Ketalphos family (No 6,337,406) and the Pyphos family (No 6,380,392). Press release from: Chiral Quest Inc, 149 West Fairmount Avenue, State College, PA 16801, USA. Tel: +1 814 234 2348. Fax: +1 814 234 2494. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.chiralquest.com (25 Feb 2003)
Chiral Quest awarded patent on tunable chiral ligand Chiral Quest Inc announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued a patent (No 6,521,769) covering the compositions of matter and use for a series of transition metal catalysts derived from chiral biaryl phosphines with a tunable dihedral angle to The Penn State Research Foundation, a non-profit corporation. Professor Xumu Zhang, Chiral Quest’s Chief Technology Officer is the inventor on the patent. Chiral Quest Inc is the exclusive licensee of the patent. Ruthenium-C-TunePhos complexes form excellent catalysts for the asymmetric hydrogenation of beta-ketoesters and enol acetates. The key feature of the C-TunePhos family of ligands is their tunable dihedral angle to optimise enantioselectivity that result in high
APRIL 2003
O N
C ATA LY S T S
catalytic turnover activities. This family of ligands is available for purchase in Chiral Quest’s Tool Portfolio or in bulk quantities. C-TunePhos is the fourth family of ligands to be added to Chiral Quest’s patent portfolio. Press release from Chiral Quest Inc, 149 West Fairmount Avenue, State College, PA 16801, USA. Tel: +1 814 234 2348. Fax: +1 814 234 2494. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: http://www.chiralquest.com (27 Feb 2003)
Clariant launches better waxes Clariant have developed a new metallocene synthesis process which it claims can produce waxes with a precisely adjustable property profile, which can be set during manufacture. According to Clariant the new metallocene waxes are said to significantly improve the dispersion of organic and inorganic pigments and carbon black in polyolefins. They are able to achieve maximum results with previously difficult to disperse pigments, using lower levels of wax than are usually required. Clariant has extended its product range with low molecular weight metallocene waxes, and believes that applications in new areas are possible, for example transparent engineering thermoplastics, additive pigment concentrates, natural fibre reinforced polymers, and highly filled systems and compatibilizers. Plastics Additives and Compounding, Jan-Feb 2003, 5 (1), 13 & High Performance Plastics, Feb 2003, 3 & PPCJ, Polymers, Paint, Colour Journal, Jan 2003, 193 (4460), 42 & APCJ, Asia Pacific Coatings Journal, Feb 2003, 16 (1), 36
Codexis announces new product launched by partner Novozymes Codexis Inc announced that its partner Novozymes has launched two new products that were developed using Codexis’ proprietary MolecularBreeding directed evolution technologies. Novozymes has to date launched a total of three products which have been developed using Codexis’ MolecularBreeding directed evolution technologies. Codexis will receive royalties on net sales of the products, which address a range of customer needs in the food processing, pulp and paper, and laundry detergent markets.
Furthermore, Novozymes has advanced several additional products into late phases of development for application in the food and industrial markets which have benefited from the use of Codexis’ technologies. Novozymes enjoys an about 44% share of the $1.8 bn industrial enzyme market. Novozymes is a biotechbased world leader in industrial enzymes and microorganisms. The company produces and sells more than 500 enzyme products in 120 countries. Codexis Inc is a provider of biocatalysis and fermentation processes and products to the life science and fine chemical industries. Press release from Codexis Inc, 220, Penobscot, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA, Tel: +1 650 298 5300. Fax: +1 650 298 5449. Website: http://www.codexis.com) (24 Feb 2003)
Codexis announces extension of collaboration with Rio Tinto Codexis Inc has extended its collaboration with Rio Tinto. The collaboration focuses on the development of a novel bioprocess for carbon dioxide sequestration. In connection with the original Feb 2000 agreement, Codexis used its proprietary MolecularBreeding directed molecular evolution technologies to develop an enzymatic system that significantly improves the rate of carbon dioxide fixation. Rio Tinto will continue to provide full R&D funding for the programme in addition to potential royalty payments. Codexis will retain all commercialisation rights to the technology outside of the field of energy production. Press release from Codexis Inc, 220, Penobscot, Redwood City, CA 94063, USA. Tel: +1 650 298 5300. Fax: +1 650 298 5449. Website: http://www.codexis.com (27 Feb 2003)
Degussa completing disposals Degussa is pursuing a strategy of growth in speciality chemicals, particularly in speciality polymers, health, and nutrition, and divesting non-core assets. To date Degussa has divested 90% of its planned divestures, generating a turnover of €6.5 bn and exceeding net profits €3 bn. Degussa aims to achieve growth of 5%/y. Chemical Market Reporter, 17 Feb 2003 (Website: http://www.chemicalmarketreporter.com)
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