The Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) at The University of Iowa has moved its new pilot-scale fermentor into production testing, marking a major advancement in the facility’s capacity. Funded by the Iowa NSF EPSCoR program and supported by a grant of just over $1 million from the State of Iowa’s Strategic Infrastructure Program, this project doubles the Center’s pilot-scale fermentation capacity with the addition of a second fermentor. The new 1,500-liter vessel, designed as a twin to the existing 1,000-liter fermentor, ensures consistent production yields across projects.
As part of Iowa NSF EPSCoR’s broader Chemurgy 2.0 initiative, this expansion enhances scalable bioprocessing services for a wide range of industrial, governmental, and academic partners. This investment strengthens workforce development, creates high-quality jobs, and solidifies Iowa’s competitive position in biotechnology innovation and the bioeconomy.
Dr. Mark Arnold, one of our Focal Area Co-Leads and director of CBB, notes that this project not only doubles capacity but also supports clients across sectors while reducing financial risks associated with contractual biomanufacturing obligations. The new fermentor replaces an older, outdated system with advanced operational hardware designed to attract more industrial partners and accelerate the transition of lab discoveries to market-ready products.
This milestone exemplifies Iowa NSF EPSCoR’s commitment to building research capacity statewide, supporting both scientific innovation and economic growth in Iowa and beyond.
Previous articles:
CBB Secures $1M Grant for Groundbreaking Double Capacity Fermentor Project
Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing secures $1M from the IEDA
IEDA Board approves grants for UI biomanufacturing facility, other Corridor projects
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No.2242763