Ciba and BRAIN partner to develop new effect molecules

19-Jul-2007

Ciba has entered an exclusive collaboration with biotechnology company BRAIN AG to develop novel functional surface effects from renewable raw materials. The goal is to identify, characterize and synthesize biomolecules that lend new functionality to surfaces such as plastics, paper, coatings and home and personal care products. BRAIN brings to the collaboration a large library of microorganisms, broad expertise in white biotechnology and proprietary test systems, while Ciba contributes cutting-edge application and process development as well as global marketing capability. The resulting biomaterials will produce novel and improved surface effects, such as bioprotection, enhanced printability in polymers and moisture resistance in a variety of materials.

"Biotechnology presents new opportunities for Ciba to bring innovative functional surface effects to diverse markets, and this collaboration reflects our commitment to investing in this key future technology," says Martin Riediker, Chief Technology Officer at Ciba. In working to develop biofunctional materials from renewable resources, we also strengthen our commitment to sustainable manufacturing. We look forward to expanding our partnership with BRAIN, with its proven record of leveraging biotechnology for industrial applications, in this exciting area of research."

Ciba and BRAIN have previously collaborated on using designer micro-organisms to develop new biotechnological processes for the sustainable production of existing specialty products. The expanded partnership will focus on creating new biomaterials with novel functional surface effects. Ciba will hold exclusive distribution rights for any resulting products within the field of collaboration.

https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/66313/ciba-and-brain-partner-to-develop-new-effect-molecules.html