The Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) at the University of Iowa has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) to expand its biomanufacturing capabilities. This funding will support the installation of a new 1,000-liter pilot-scale fermentor, effectively doubling the CBB's current capacity.
Dr. Mark Arnold, Edwin B Green Professor in Laser Chemistry and director of the CBB, emphasized the project's multifaceted benefits: "This project will benefit the state's economy in multiple ways. The funding will support the installation of a new fermentor that will double the capacity of our bioprocessing facility to support clients in industry, government and academia while mitigating financial risks associated with the CBB's contractual biomanufacturing obligations."
As part of the NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 project, the CBB already oversees ABEC's construction of this custom fermentor. The new system, which includes advanced operational hardware and a transducer network, will replace an older unit with non-repairable components. This strategic investment is expected to attract more industrial partners, create jobs in Iowa, and strengthen the state's position in biotechnology innovation. The expanded capacity will support a range of biotech companies, from those producing industrial chemicals from renewable resources to those developing diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, ultimately aiming to accelerate the transition of laboratory discoveries to market-ready products.
News articles
Corridor Business Journal - IEDA Board approves grants for UI biomanufacturing facility, other Corridor projects
University of Iowa News - Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing secures $1M from the IEDA
University of Iowa CBB Department - CBB receives $1 million grant
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763