Capra Biosciences is pioneering the production of high-performance renewable chemicals through its innovative bioreactor technology, which utilizes natural biological processes to convert waste into valuable materials. Central to their approach is the use of biofilms—thin layers of microorganisms that can efficiently synthesize complex hydrophobic chemicals, such as retinol, a form of vitamin A commonly used in cosmetics. Unlike traditional methods that rely on petrochemical sources, Capra's bioreactors leverage these biofilms to create sustainable products while significantly reducing production costs and environmental impact. This technology not only addresses the challenges of producing hydrophobic molecules but also positions Capra as a leader in the transition to greener chemical manufacturing.

In addition to their focus on renewable chemicals, Capra is expanding its capabilities to include the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through a recent project agreement with the BioMaP-Consortium. This initiative aims to demonstrate the scalability of their bioreactor platform for manufacturing biologically derived APIs, addressing supply chain vulnerabilities highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. By integrating artificial intelligence and advanced modeling techniques, Capra seeks to streamline the onboarding and production processes for various pharmaceutical ingredients, showcasing the versatility and efficiency of their modular bioreactor systems. This strategic direction not only enhances the accessibility of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the U.S. but also reinforces Capra's commitment to sustainable practices across multiple industries.

United States

Capra Biosciences is developing a new technology that will make the manufacturing of chemicals using biology cost-competitive with petroleum-based products. Significant advances in synthetic biology have been made over the past 20 years, enabling a multitude of products with lower environmental impact and potentially better performance than their petrochemical counterparts. However, cost-competitive large-scale manufacturing of these products remains a significant bottleneck to their adaptation.  Our technology tackles this bottleneck through an innovative bioreactor design that promises to significantly reduce end-to-end manufacturing costs.

Capra Biosciences

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