Biocatalytic steps have the potential to shorten synthetic pathways and improve the economics of industrial processes. Numerous enzymes are commercially available already, and SOP procedures in enzyme technology have established protocols to tailor enzymes or microorganisms largely at will.

On the other hand, modern biotechnology easily leads into a jungle of immature and sometimes oversold technologies, whose practical relevance is difficult to judge for an outsider. The scientific jargon in place cannot be easily translated into a milestone-oriented business language. As a result, bio-related projects are difficult to evaluate or direct for enterprises who lack competent staff in biotechnology.

Bio4Business is assisting you to reap the benefits of biocatalysis even without in-house experts. We advise you on the feasibility of biocatalytic projects within your product streams and help you to manage bio R&D- and production processes in their early stage, following PMBOK. In particular, we address the following questions:

• can a multistep synthetic pathway be shortened by an enzymatic step?
• is it more economic to look for an enzyme or a microorganism?
• is the biocatalyst commercially available?
• if not: by which procedure can it be accessed?
• to what extent can its selectivity and stability in the desired process be predicted?
• what is known about the patent situation?
• can studies be carried out in the laboratories/workshops of the principal, or is it advisable to look for a project partner,
• who would be a good project partner? How is his reputation in the field?
• can public funds be raised for this study, and from which body?