Abstract Description

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has prioritised biocatalysis as a key technology for South Africa's sustainable bioeconomy. Biocatalysis uses renewable and sustainable microorganisms and enzymes as catalysts to produce products instead of the classic, often harsh chemicals methods. The Industrial Biocatalysis Hub (IBH) is hosted by the CSIR and funded by DSI and TIA. The IBH is dedicated to advancing biocatalysis and green technologies by supporting research, technology development, technology transfer, and human capital development. It aims to integrate biocatalysis into South Africa's industrial landscape, driving sustainable production and fostering the commercialization of green technologies. Biocatalysis can in many instances replace harsh chemical technologies in the production of pharmaceuticals, veterinary, flavours and fragrances, food, feed, pesticides, biocides, cosmetics and industrial chemicals. Examples of the development of technologies for industry partners for commercialization using biocatalysis and particularly microorganisms will be discussed. These include the production of (-)Ambrafuran, used as a fixative in the fragrance industry in a two step process produced by Hyphozyma roseoniger, resulting in a natural compound. The production of FDCA (2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid) used in the bioplastics industry through a Bacillus mobilis/Bacillus toyonesis isolated from horse manure, maple furanone as a flavour compound using a Bacillus subtilis microorganism and rafoxamide as a veterinary compound using a nitroreductase enzyme system from Bacillus megaterium.