P. Rohs
VIA BioFuels, Texas, United States
Keywords: sustainable aviation fuel, specialty chemicals, fermentation, biomanufacturing
VIA BioFuels (VIA) specializes in the production of 3-methylanisole (3-MA), a versatile compound that can be used as a drop-in gasoline replacement, a component in sustainable aviation fuel, or as a precursor for plastics such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyester, and nylon. By leveraging a proprietary engineered strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, VIA efficiently converts feedstocks like starch, sugars, and cellulosic hydrolysates into this valuable aromatic. Key advantages of 3-MA include its large commercial potential and a cost-effective, straightforward purification process. VIA’s commercial strategy involves scaling production through the existing S. cerevisiae-based ethanol infrastructure. VIA drives innovation through internal research and collaborations with academic institutions, focusing on: 1) expanding feedstock compatibility to include waste carbon sources such as whey permeate, 2) improving the efficiency of volatile product capture, and 3) developing catalytic pathways to convert 3-MA into high-value chemicals like methylcyclohexane, toluene, and paraxylene. These efforts align with national priorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through Climate Technology Science, advance low-carbon energy solutions, and promote sustainable markets and supply chains.