US synthetic biology company Arzeda and Japan’s Mitsubishi Rayon are collaborating to develop an improved process for producing a chemical building block with multiple applications.

The partnership will leverage each company’s unique technologies. Arzeda will use its proprietary industrial protein design software, Archytas, while Mitsubishi Rayon will apply its expertise in process development and industrial scale-up.

Arzeda’s proprietary platform can rapidly create “cell factories” to create new enzymes and chemical products that can be used at industrial scale. Since 2008, it has developed a range of enzymes and specialty chemicals for polymers, advanced materials, and health and nutrition products.

Alexandre Zanghellini, CEO of Arzeda, said that through synthetic biology, the company can unlock new opportunities for innovative, high-performing and sustainable products.

Takayuki Iseki, general manager of Mitsubishi Rayon’s R&D Administration department, added: “Through our own experience and expertise, as well as with innovative technology like Arzeda’s, Mitsubishi Rayon can meet the growing global demand for a range of products in a sustainable manner.”

Mitsubishi Rayon is a major supplier of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer, as well as hollow fiber membranes, carbon fiber, plastic optical fiber, and other products.