Amyris partners with Alvorada to produce farnesene

Biotechnology company Amyris, which is based in Emeryville, Calif., U.S.A., has signed a protocol of intent with Brazilian sugar and ethanol producer Usina Alvorada to produce renewable farnesene from sugar cane in Brazil. Amyris has partnerships with six other sugar and ethanol firms in Brazil–São Martinho, Cosan, Paraíso, Bunge, Guarani and ETH–to either produce farnesene or base oils. Farnesene is a molecule that forms the basis for a wide range of products, from specialty chemical applications such as detergents, cosmetics, perfumes and lubricating base oils, to transportation fuels such as diesel fuel. State-run Brazilian development bank BNDES earlier this week approved a R$22 million (US$12.7 million) loan to finance the construction of Amyris’ first industrial-scale production facility in Brazil. (November 3, 2011)