Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, has launched Accellerase 1500, the next generation of its cellulosic ethanol enzyme product. Genencor introduced the product at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) 2009 National Ethanol Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Accellerase 1500 is another significant step toward commercialization of biofuels and other biochemicals made from cellulosic feedstocks, such as agricultural residues and bioenergy crops. It also reinforces Genencor's position as a global leader in second generation ethanol innovation.

“We're on course to fast-track commercialization of cellulosic ethanol,” says Philippe Lavielle, senior vice president, business development, Genencor. “Accellerase was a breakthrough in the industry. Now, by launching this improved enzyme product, we reach another important technical milestone toward commercial-scale production of transportation fuel and other biochemicals from renewable, non-food feedstocks.”

Accellerase 1500 will lower one of the major cost hurdles to producing ethanol or biochemicals from cellulosic feedstocks, such as corn stover, sugarcane bagasse, wood chips, wheat straw, and switchgrass. In addition, Accellerase 1500 has a significantly improved formulation and higher activity resulting in higher ethanol yields and robust operation in a wider variety of processes. The product is based on Genencor's patented gene expression technology and the division's 25-year history of biofuels research.

Accellerase is critical to the hydrolysis step of converting biomass to ethanol or other biochemicals. In this step, plant material is broken down into sugars for fermentation to ethanol.

Genencor supplies Accellerase as part of its dual-strategy to drive forward the cellulosic ethanol industry, which includes its dedicated enzyme business, and its joint venture DuPont Danisco Cellulosic Ethanol LLC (DDCE), which develops and provides integrated technology packages for biomass ethanol production.

Genencor, a division of Danisco A/S, is a world leader in industrial biotechnology and a pioneer in enzyme innovation. Genencor improves process and product performance for a spectrum of industries, from biofuels and laundry detergents to animal nutrition and food. As part of a large global organization, Genencor has a manufacturing and distribution network that spans more than 40 countries. In collaboration with customers, technology leaders and other stakeholders, Genencor supplies competitive, biobased solutions. These innovations create value throughout the supply chain, from raw material to finished product.