10128439Determining the efficacy and market potential of an underrated bio-based platform chemical (BioPlatScope)ClosedFeasibility StudiesInnovate UKThe use of bio-based cyclic dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) as replacements for fossil-derived terephthalic acid (TA) has gathered increasing interest over the last decade due to their more sustainable production, enhanced biodegradation, and differentiated properties compared to widely used fossil-based TA. The pioneering DCA, 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is identified as one of the prospective top 10 platform chemicals of the 21st century and large-scale bio-based production is due to begin by the end of this year with its primary customers looking for bio-based alternatives to PET polymers. Other DCAs, namely pyridinedicarboxylic acids (PDCAs), are likely produced by all kingdoms of life including bacteria, fungi, and animals. PDCAs have potential for use in diverse applications, including as therapeutics, anti-microbials, and in polymeric applications(Brewitz et al., 2020, 2023; Islam et al., 2022; Thalhammer et al., 2011). Biome, with previous support of Innovate UK, has been working over the last decade optimising bio-based production of PDCAs. Initially, this was without significant competitive interest but recent work by other groups has accelerated. With expertise in production and routes to market for biopolymers, Biome has identified an opportunity for production and distribution of these platform monomers outside the limitations of their initial biopolymer market. They are therefore looking, with collaborative support from Professor Schofield at Oxford University, an expert in the field of PDCAs for therapeutic applications, to identify and evaluate the potential market scope for applications of their bio-PDCA products. The BioPlatScope project will: 1) validate the biological activities of bio-PDCAs compared with current fossil-derived equivalents, and 2) scope the full market potential for bio-PDCAs and their realistic route to market. This will be achieved collaboratively between world leading expert, Professor Schofield at Oxford University who has published and patented on PDCAs and related plant derived natural products (Al-Qahtani et al., 2015; Brewitz et al., 2020, 2021, 2023; Islam et al., 2022; Lawson et al., 2024; Paschalis et al., 2021; Thalhammer et al., 2011) Biome has a previous commercially successful track record in the bioplastics field, manifested in existing sales of bio-based polymers, and an established route to market. Working with the Oxford group in this feasibility project, we aim to extend the utility of bio-PDCAs to alternative health-related markets and understand their requirements for introduction.