10150104Photo-Poly: Photosynthetic Carbon-Negative Sources for Bio-Polymer Liquid FormulationsActiveCollaborative R&DInnovate UKPolymers in Liquid Formulation (PLFs) are essential across various sectors, including food, wastewater treatment, lubricants, and consumer products, contributing a global annual value of $1.27 trillion and produced at a scale of approximately 36 million tonnes per year. Photo-Poly is a ground-breaking project in the UK chemicals industry, aiming to introduce an innovative carbon-negative source for creating sustainable and biodegradable PLFs. These polymers are suitable for everyday personal care items such as skin creams, paints, medications, and adhesives. By utilising non-virgin fossil carbon sources from sustainable photosynthetic bacteria and algae, Photo-Poly sets a new benchmark for environmental responsibility and technological advancement. The environmental impact of PLFs stems from their production, usage, and disposal, which release carbon dioxide, deplete finite resources, and generate waste. A significant portion of PLFs remain liquid at disposal, entering wastewater treatment systems or directly reaching watercourses. Mitigating harm from PLF waste is crucial, and the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) framework underscores the importance of 'ready biodegradation' data for responsible chemical management and environmental protection. Photo-Poly combines world-leading expertise in the molecular biology and genetics of photosynthetic organisms at the University of Glasgow with the formulation development capabilities at Impact Solutions .Additional expertise in algal biodiversity, cultivation and bespoke biochemical analyses is contributed by the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP) at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS). The program aims to optimise the cultivation and bioprocessing of several photosynthetic strains to synthesise and release extracellular polymeric substances (RPS) targeting the personal care markets. These novel RPS polymers are larger and more complex than those synthesised by other organisms, offering unique physio-chemical and bioactive properties for wider industrial applications. Supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry and industry advisory partners, the Photo-Poly program will advance the Technology Readiness Level to TRL5, with new polymers validated both technically and economically, allowing commercialisation through UK and global suppliers of specialty PLF ingredients