biopolymer

Exploring Polyglutamic Acid: New Applications for A Natural Ingredient

What is Polyglutamic Acid?

Polyglutamic acid, or “PGA”, is a naturally occurring, non-toxic polymer of the non-essential amino acid glutamic acid. Known by its gamma form (γ-PGA), this highly versatile ingredient has a long history of human use. It occurs naturally in natto, a traditional fermented soy food whose characteristics are so unusual that it is called by its native name in every European language. Natto as a delicacy first appeared in Japanese culture in the 11th century and is thought to have been used as an offering at altars. The viscous, silky threads of PGA on soybeans are formed via fermentation with Bacillus species. Still eaten primarily in Japan, it is cheap, nutritious, and easily made at home.

Ecovia Renewables Announces $198,000 in New Funding

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, June 23rd, 2020— Ecovia Renewables Inc., a Michigan-based biotechnology company focused on the research and development of high-performing biobased materials and ingredients, announced today that it was the recipient of a $148,000 loan under the US Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help small businesses weather the impact of COVID-19. This loan could qualify for partial or complete forgiveness if Ecovia meets certain conditions under the revised terms of the PPP Flexibility Act, as signed into law on June 5th, 2020.

Ecovia’s AzuraGel™ Superabsorbent Awarded 100% USDA Certified Biobased Product Label

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, December 4th, 2018— Ecovia Renewables Inc. announced today that their AzuraGel™ 100 product earned the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Certified Biobased Product Label at 100% biobased content. As an Ecovia Biopolymer, AzuraGel is based on a water-swellable and water-dispersible cross-linked biopolymer. It forms biobased and biodegradable hydrogels with outstanding functional properties.

Spring Update: TechConnect World Expo & NSF Phase II Grantee Conference

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN, June 20th, 2018— Ecovia Renewables Inc. presented at two conferences this Spring: the TechConnect World Expo in Anaheim, CA and the NSF Phase II Grantee Conference in Atlanta, GA. 

At the TechConnect World Expo, Dr. Jeremy Minty presented "Ecovia™ Biopolymers for Personal Care Products & Formulations." The company won a National Innovation Award for their technology platform at the conference.

At the NSF Phase II Grantee Conference, Dr. Nina Lin presented "SBIR Phase II: Efficient Production of a High Performance and Eco-Friendly Superabsorbent Microbial Biopolymer for Hygiene Applications."

Ecovia Renewables, Inc. Awarded $750k NSF Grant to Develop Superabsorbent Biopolymers for Hygiene Products

Ann Arbor, Michigan: Ecovia Renewables, Inc. announced today that the company was awarded a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Under the award, Ecovia Renewables, Inc. will receive approximately $750,000 over two years to develop a suite of BioGel™ biopolymer materials for hygiene applications, particularly for use in the absorbent cores of infant diapers. The proposal, entitled "SBIR Phase II: Efficient Production of a High Performance and Eco-Friendly Superabsorbent Microbial Biopolymer for Hygiene Applications,” explores a novel microbial co-culture fermentation route for cost-effective production of biodegradable and non-toxic superabsorbent materials from renewable biomass resources.