Press Release
National Science Foundation awards Ecolyse subsidiary Phage Biocontrol Research a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award to develop phage preparations for the control of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in fuel ethanol fermentation.
July 24, 2012
Ecolyse, Inc., an award winning biological control developer, announced a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research, or SBIR, Phase II award to subsidiary Phage Biocontrol Research in the amount of $485,747. This award is to develop and commercialize phage preparations to be used in the control of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) during fuel ethanol fermentation. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) competes with yeast in the biofuel ethanol fermentation process, decreasing ethanol production up to 20% at a cost of millions of dollars.
Ecolyse is developing phage solutions as a platform technology to treat a myriad of industrial bacterial issues. Phages are natural bacteriolytic agents and have the potential to address bacteria infections in corn, sugarcane and other ethanol production facilities, without the negative aspects of currently used alternatives such as the application of antibiotics. The FDA has deemed phage to be GRAS (generally regarded as safe).
Ecolyse’s current development efforts include solutions to combat LAB and sulfate-reducing bacteria that are responsible for corrosion in industrial settings such as pipelines, tanks, and cooling towers.
“Across the country and around the world there are ethanol plants suffering recurring process disruptions from bacteria infections from LAB. We’re excited to have the support of the National Science Foundation to develop an alternative to the use of antibiotics for the industry,” says James Lancaster, Ecolyse CEO.
ABOUT Ecolyse
Ecolyse derives its name from its mission to provide ecologically sound biological control for industry by causing problem bacteria, fungi or algae to burst, or "lyse". We commit to the principles of green chemistry and practices, and seek to implement more efficient use of contemporary chemical biocides and to develop policies, procedures and new naturally derived products for current users and suppliers.
Ecolyse, Inc., originally founded as Phage Biocontrol in December 2007, conducts product development research within its wholly owned subsidiary Phage Biocontrol Research, LLC. Located in College Station, Texas, Ecolyse has a close partnership with Texas A&M University's Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics, along with the Department of Petroleum Engineering.
Ecolyse has previously won two SBIR Phase I awards from the National Science Foundation and was recently awarded the 2012 'Disrupt-o-Meter' Award, voted the 'most disruptive new technology' by attendees at BlueTech Forum Water Technology Conference 2012 in San Francisco in May.
For more information contact Sarah Duggleby at 979.694.6500 or by email sassie@ecolyse.com.