FLEXIZYME, a 48-month project that started in June 2025, reached its 1-year anniversary. The project, funded by CBE JU, proposes a systemic innovation approach to develop a versatile biotechnological platform for primary Fatty Amines (FAs) production from fat-rich and protein-rich feedstocks.
By combining enzyme engineering, biocatalysis, and circular economy principles, FLEXIZYME is developing a scalable and eco-friendly alternative to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high industrial standards.
Bio-based products through sustainable by-products: what is FLEXIZYME about?
Standing for the “Construction of a FLEXIble and adaptable enZYMatic biotechnological platform for sustainablE industrial production of bio-based FAs from side stream materials”, FLEXIZYME’s aim is to consider all the development steps to obtain biobased FAs from fat-rich and protein-rich feedstocks to fit real industrial needs, in sectors such as agriculture, cosmetics or detergents.
FLEXIZYME is pioneering a biotechnological platform that combines a down-, mid- and upstream holistic approach. Unlike fossil-based production, which is energy-intensive, uses toxic catalysts, and has low selectivity, FLEXIZYME’s methodology enables:
- 50% improved enzyme efficiency and selectivity.
- Lower energy consumption and fewer emissions.
- Valorization of industrial residues, promoting a circular economy.
FLEXIZYME is powered by a strong consortium of 17 partners from industry, academia, and research institutions across Europe, working together to redefine fatty amine production, under the lead of our Project Coordinator, ITENE (Spain). Our partners bring expertise in enzyme engineering, biotechnology, process scale-up, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement.
12 months of progress
Over the past year, the consortium has laid the scientific and technical groundwork for the project, including the comprehensive characterization of fat- and protein-rich industrial residues that will serve as feedstocks. Partners have also successfully screened and identified promising enzyme candidates, including Carboxylic Acid Reductases (CARs) and transaminases (TAs), using both experimental and computational methods.
In parallel, efforts have advanced in the areas of process design, where conceptual blueprints for the industrial-scale integration of enzymatic steps have been developed. Bioinformatics tools and machine learning models are being applied to predict enzyme behaviour, while innovative thermal monitoring techniques are being explored to optimize reaction control.
By the end of June, the consortium will come together in person in Athens, Greece, to mark the first year of the project: an opportunity to showcase progress, discuss challenges, and define the next steps.
This project has received funding by the European Union under the Circular Bio-Based Europe Joint Undertaking under Grant Agreement No 101157528
