APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:
- High value fragrances
- Polymerization for the formation of novel materials
BENEFITS:
- A sustainable alternative for the synthesis of fragrance molecules and other synthetic processes that begin with cyclododecanone, a petroleum product
- Potential to bring new high value products to the global market given the growing demand for sustainable components in the fragrance industry
BACKGROUND:
Current synthetic processes for the development of muscone and related compounds begin with the petroleum product, cyclododecanone, as the starting material. This invention seeks to establish a novel semi-synthetic route to fragrance molecules, with known values and global markets, as a sustainable alternative.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
Through the use of recombinant cells, Berkeley Lab researchers have invented a novel process for producing hydroxylated methyl ketones (HMKs) from glucose. Their novel process for converting HMKs into macrocyclic ketones (MCKs) is also involved in the production of several novel compounds, many of which are high value fragrance compounds. The invention provides a means of producing several previously uncharacterized compounds that are structurally related to high value fragrance molecules and could be investigated as novel fragrance compounds.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE: Proven principle
RELATED TECHNOLOGY:
Producing 3-Hydroxycarboxylic Acids and Ketones using PKS 2014-007
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS:
Robert Haushalter
Jay D. Keasling
STATUS: Patent pending
OPPORTUNITIES: Available for licensing or collaborative research