Patent Office grants Neol Bio a patent on conversion of agricultural residues into oils for industrial use

Neol Bio, a subsidiary of Neuron Bio, has been granted with the Spanish patent “Production of microbial oils” that describes a method to produce oils from agricultural residues, such as wheat straw or sugarcane bagasse. This new technology is based on the use of its proprietary microorganism Neoleum®.

These oils can be used as raw material for biodiesel and other bioproducts. Both the process and the microorganisms have been developed by Neol Bio in its R&D centers in Granada (Spain) and validated at large scale in demo plants.

Javier Velasco, CEO of Neol Bio, has stated “We are very proud of this new patent grant. According to recent market reports, global demand of oils for non-food applications will increase around 8 times in coming years due to the development of industrial applications (biodiesel, hydrotreated vegetable oils and oleochemical products). This demand won’t be met by current oil crops without affecting feed and food. This is a huge challenge and Neol Bio is one of the companies able to provide added-value alternatives throughout sustainable bioprocesses”

Note for editors

Neol Bio, a subsidiary of Neuron Bio is devoted to the development of innovative processes within the microbial industrial biotechnology for its application in oleochemical, bioenergy and biopolymer sectors

Due to the use of advanced molecular biology techniques, bioprocess engineering and industrial microbiology, Neol achieves economically viable bioprocesses, thus reducing the use of chemical contaminates and assessing agricultural and industrial waste.

Neol has facilities, laboratories and cutting-edge equipment in the biotechnology field as well as an own pilot plant for demonstration of the processes it develops.

Neol has a team of over 30 high qualified researchers, such as microbiologists, molecular biologists, experts in analytical chemistry and bioprocesses engineers with renowned prestige in the sector, who participate actively in numerous scientific projects.

Its headquarters and main facilities are located in the Granada Bio Science & Technology Park.