Akermin Achieves Record Enzyme Stability

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

Julia Bishop-Cross

Office: (314) 260-7782

Mobile: (314) 681-3033

 

Akermin Achieves Record Enzyme Stability for

Bioprocessing and Fuel Cells

 

St. Louis, MO - Akermin, Inc., in conjunction with Saint Louis University, has achieved a record level of three years for enzyme stability in an energy generating biofuel cell electrode.  Enzyme stability, or retention of activity, has been a key limitation for expanding the use of enzymes into harsh processes that require high temperature or extremes of pH.

 

Akermin initiated a long term stability study, in conjunction with Saint Louis University, for the oxidation of fuel by enzymes.  By immobilizing the enzyme at an electrode surface with Akermin's polymer, the enzyme activity has been retained to continuously oxidize the fuel for over three years.  For comparison, similar studies have been conducted, and without Akermin's stabilizing technology the enzyme remained active for hours to days.  Akermin's long term stability test continues to operate with no statistical decay in performance observed thus far.  This demonstration is just one example of how Akermin's immobilization technology enables enzymes to perform beyond their normal capabilities.  Further stability can be achieved at elevated temperatures, harsh pH, and other extreme conditions that are normally thought to denature enzymes.

 

Akermin's Stabilized Enzyme Biofuel Cell (SEBC^TM) technology immobilizes and stabilizes enzymes in a conductive polymer matrix and allows them to convert renewable organic fuels into electricity, a process which is inherently more efficient than conventional methods of portable power generation.  The stability afforded by Akermin's enzyme immobilization polymers, measured in years compared to days for other biofuel cell technology, enables the first truly commercial viability for this type of power supply.  Using high energy content fuels such as methanol or glycerol, Akermin's Stabilized Enzyme Biofuel Cells (SEBC^TM) are more environmentally-friendly and last longer than any existing fuel cell, delivering lower cost per Watt hour over their lifetime.

 

About Akermin, Inc.

Akermin, located in Saint Louis, MO, is a leading developer of stabilized enzyme solutions for producing power, food, fuels, and specialty chemical intermediates.  Through our unique Stabilized Enzyme Biocatalysis System (SEBS^TM), we enable new biocatalytic processes and make existing enzymatic transformations more robust and efficient under a wide range of operating conditions, including extremes of temperature and pH.  Akermin's proprietary breakthrough in the polymer encapsulation of enzymes will lead to longer-lasting and more environmentally-friendly fuel cells and batteries, and enhance the value of food, pharmaceutical and chemical production.  SEBS^TM has demonstrated the capability to immobilize numerous enzymes and proven the potential for Akermin's technology in multi-billion dollar markets for enzyme-enabled products and processes.