Ever wonder what a day in the life of a microbe is like? Turns out, they’re very productive.
At the vH lab in LA, microbes spend their days doing what they do best: eating natural ingredients and converting them into the biomolecules that become part of our plant-based plastic alternative, Liquidplant. We call this process biofermentation, and yes it’s nature doing what nature does best (with a little help from our scientists).
Curious how it all works? Read on.
Q: So, what exactly is biofermentation?
A: Biofermentation is one of humanity’s oldest technologies. As early as 6000 to 8000 BC, ancient Europeans fermented grapes into wine, and by 3000 BC Egyptians used yeast to leaven bread. In biofermentation, microorganisms consume sugars or other plant-based feedstocks and, through their metabolic pathways, convert them into molecular building blocks. These building blocks can then be synthesized into bio-based polymers, such as those found in Liquidplant. - vH Director of Innovation
Q: How does it differ from conventional plastic production?
A: Biofermentation differs from conventional chemical synthesis in that it operates at mild temperatures and in aqueous conditions, reducing energy use and avoiding the need for harsh chemicals. This results in lower costs, a smaller carbon footprint, and less toxic waste compared with the high-temperature, chemical-intensive processes used in traditional plastic production. - vH Senior Polymer Chemist
Q: Why is it a natural fit for Liquidplant?
A: Liquidplant embodies a material that is environmentally conscious not just in the source of its feedstocks, but also in how those feedstocks were created. Just as biobased sources outscore fossil fuel sources in CO2 reduction, biofermentation outperforms traditional chemical synthesis in energy efficiency and nontoxicity. Thus, choosing materials made via biofermentation for Liquidplant is a natural fit for the holistic approach necessary to build a material that considers all aspects of environmental impact. - vH Material Scientist
Q. What does this reveal about how materials can be made differently?
A: While biofermentation has long been central to the food and pharmaceutical industries, working with microbial systems in sustainable materials and green chemistry revealed its growing relevance across sectors. This technology is now driving multidisciplinary innovation, connecting biology, biochemistry, chemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering. It is inspiring to see experts from these diverse fields collaborating to develop sustainable materials. - vH Director of Innovation
Q: What role do you see bio-based chemistry playing in the next generation of materials?
A: I think bio-based chemistry, enabled by processes like biofermentation, will become a central pillar of the next generation of materials. Fossil fuels are unevenly distributed worldwide, and it is not a question of if, but when they will run out. Bio-based solutions, however, harness abundant renewable resources and provide reliable alternatives without major environmental, cost, or performance drawbacks. They are one of our best bets for a sustainable and equitable future. - vH Lab Technician
