Problem
As Bionome, we offer an advanced technological solution to address the issues of impurities, low yields, extensive land, energy, and water usage, as well as regulatory concerns stemming from THC contamination in CBD products. CBD, the non-psychoactive primary component of the Cannabis sativa (hemp) plant, has been utilized for its various properties throughout history, but its medical benefits are now being recognized. CBD's active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) properties provide a range of health advantages, including pain relief, anxiety reduction, improved sleep, neuroprotection, anti-inflammatory effects, epilepsy treatment, and potential support for cancer treatment. These therapeutic attributes underscore the need for sustainable and efficient production methods to ensure access to high-quality CBD products for individuals seeking natural and effective remedies for various health conditions. CBD production currently relies on conventional methods such as plant harvesting and chemical synthesis. However, these methods pose several challenges: Traditional Method (Isolation from hemp): One major concern is the legality and regulatory issues arising from THC contamination, with THC limitations ranging from 0% to 0.3% depending on country regulations. Additionally, traditional methods encounter problems such as heavy metal (6-8%), pesticide, and herbicide contamination (84.3%), high water and energy consumption, extensive land use, and significant carbon emissions. The presence of harmful substances like pesticides and heavy metals in the end product can lead to severe health issues for consumers, including respiratory problems, poisoning, and potentially even the growth of cancerous cells. Moreover, the relatively high prices, reaching USD 5,000 per kilogram, and long production periods of at least 3-4 months further exacerbate these issues. Traditional CBD production struggles to meet growing market demands while contending with regulatory hurdles and label fraudulence due to psychoactive THC contamination. Chemical Synthesis: While offering purity advantages, chemical synthesis faces challenges such as low yields, molecular inconsistency and stability, presence of toxic chemicals, excessive energy consumption, high carbon emissions, and the highest prices on the market.
Çözüm
Bionome presents a sustainable remedy utilizing genetically modified photosynthetic microorganisms, predominantly microalgae, within lab-based bioreactors to generate exceptionally pure CBD. This groundbreaking method not only guarantees a safer and more effective production procedure but also markedly enhances yield and diminishes environmental repercussions, facilitating broad availability of these nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals renowned for their health-promoting properties. In our innovative system, we exclusively use light and air while Capturing Carbon, eliminating the need for conventional cultivation methods. As a deep tech biotech enterprise, we harness the power of microalgae with the help of genetic and bioprocess engineering methods. We have established a five-step roadmap to guide our progress. The initial two steps, focused on lab-scale production, have been successfully completed within our existing company capacity. However, we still have three more steps ahead to accomplish: Genetic Engineering (Recombinant Production): Microalgae, being photosynthetic organisms, generate oxygen and produce substances in the presence of carbon dioxide. In their natural state, microalgae lack the capability to produce CBD. However, through Bionome's innovative technology utilizing genetic engineering methods, microalgae acquire the capacity to synthesize CBD. This process, known as recombinant production, yields the final product called as recombinant product. Our approach primarily involves enzyme engineering alongside various multidisciplinary methods. Through enzyme engineering, we manipulate and introduce five gene sites responsible for CBD production in hemp into microalgae. Leveraging the natural isoprenoid pathway of microalgae, which inherently produces oils, offers relative advantages to the transformation process. We employ cutting-edge genetic engineering techniques, including CRISPR/Cas9, recognized with the Nobel Chemistry Prize, along with other established methods. Ultimately, microalgae acquire the capability to produce CBD in the presence of carbon dioxide and sunlight (augmented by artificial light). This constitutes the initial aspect of our project eligible for patent protection. Bioprocess Engineering: Another part of Bionome's patentable innovation lies in the design of the photobioreactor (PBR) and the optimization of cultivation parameters. Our PBR system operates on a 16:8 (day:night) cycle, designed to be self-sustaining through software-based, fully automated control. Furthermore, we implement water filtration for recycling and intend to integrate solar panels to generate the necessary energy autonomously. Scaling Up: Based on the outcomes observed during the production at the lab scale, we have initiated the design process for a pilot plant to ensure continuous CBD production. To meet our targeted production capacity, we intend to utilize the facilities of the Bio Base Pilot Plant Facility situated in Belgium. Following the collection and analysis of data, our next step will involve the construction of our own pilot plant, incorporating a water filtration system, solar panels, and software-based full automation. Cannabinoid Product Range: The cannabinoid family, to which CBD belongs, contains over 180 members with various health benefits. Many of these compounds are scarce in the hemp plant and challenging to extract. By developing a method to produce CBD, which shares precursor compounds with other cannabinoids in their biochemical pathways, the R&D process for these cannabinoids could potentially be reduced to as short as 6 months. Microalgae Biomass Derived Bioplastic Pellets: After conducting studies on CBD production from microalgae, the next phase involves collaborating with an algae-based bioplastic startup to produce biodegradable bioplastic from dry microalgae biomass. Upon accomplishing these objectives, we aim to establish ourselves as the most sustainable company with zero carbon emissions in Europe, and emerge as one of the global leaders in this particular field.
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