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Biophelion Launches to Make Chemical Industry Sustainable with Black Mold

Meet Biophelion, the startup harnessing black mold to transform waste into valuable chemicals. With backing from SPRIND and cooperation with Leibniz-HKI, they're revolutionizing the chemical industry.

In this image, we can see a scissor, black - red object, thread, red chilies with stem are on the...
In this image, we can see a scissor, black - red object, thread, red chilies with stem are on the wooden surface.

Biophelion Launches to Make Chemical Industry Sustainable with Black Mold

Two scientists, Lars Regestein and Till Tiso, have launched Biophelion, a startup aiming to make the chemical industry more sustainable. The company, a spin-off of Leibniz-HKI and RWTH Aachen, uses a unique black mold to convert industrial waste into valuable products.

Regestein and Tiso, originally from Leibniz-HKI, founded Biophelion with support from SPRIND's 'Circular Biomanufacturing Challenge'. The startup is located near Leibniz-HKI, with plans to cooperate closely for bio-process optimization.

Biophelion's key innovation lies in the mold Aureobasidium pullulans. This black mold produces three crucial compounds: a polyester for packaging plastic, the edible polymer pullulan, and a novel surfactant. Two engineers from Leibniz-HKI recognized the potential of this black mold for green chemistry, inspiring Biophelion's creation.

Till Tiso, Biophelion's CTO, envisions new applications for pullulan and the surfactant molecule. Pullulan, in particular, could revolutionize 3D printing, potentially reducing the use of classic plastics.

Biophelion, founded by Lars Regestein and Till Tiso, harnesses the power of black mold to transform industrial waste into valuable chemicals. With support from SPRIND and cooperation with Leibniz-HKI and RWTH Aachen, the startup aims to make the chemical industry more sustainable, with potential applications in 3D printing and beyond.

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