BIOTECHNICA: The Role of White Biotechnology in Industrial Production

-- "German White Biotechnology Platform" conference on 8 October
within the scientific congress European BioPerspectives
HANNOVER, Germany--(Business Wire)--
Although white or industrial biotechnology has been around for a
considerable time, it has only recently begun to revolutionize
industrial production. Nature's toolset is being increasingly deployed
in processes that help cut production costs such as energy and raw
materials, as well as in the effective disposal of products and
production waste. These are among the keynote themes to be addressed
by experts on 8 October at BIOTECHNICA, Europe's leading biotech
event. The "German White Biotechnology Platform", which features in
the scientific congress European BioPerspectives, will be opened by
Dr. Alfred Oberholz, board member of Evonik Industries AG and chairman
of DECHEMA (German Society for Chemical Engineering and
Biotechnology).

Whereas the pharmaceutical and food industries have a long
tradition of using biotechnology, the chemicals industry has only
turned to this low-impact form of production in recent years (notably
for fine chemicals, medicines and plastics). Microbiologically derived
bio-plastics open up the prospect of reducing dependency on oil - at
least to some extent - in the manufacture of plastics. Bio-chemical
products are often more eco-friendly, cheaper and more sustainable
than traditional chemical synthesizing processes.

Combining low environmental impact with high levels of
effectiveness, biotech processes sometimes use whole microorganisms,
and sometimes only selected constituents - depending on the process or
product required. Experts attribute the success of white biotechnology
over the past few years to the advances made in our understanding of
biological catalyzers. This has given us the ability to convert or
modify natural substances and organisms to the point where they can
survive the extreme conditions encountered in industrial production.
Thanks to recent developments, it is now possible to produce them in
sufficient quantities.

One such example featured in this year's conference program is the
use of microorganisms and enzyme systems specifically engineered to
facilitate the industrial use of carbon and nitrogen compounds
extracted from plant matter - in particular lignocellulose, which is
considered difficult to break down and convert.

Various sources suggest that white biotechnology already accounts
for worldwide sales worth 55 to 60 billion euros. But this is only the
beginning, as the true technological potential has yet to be fully
realized. For example, new enzyme systems could open up whole new
areas of application. Some of the systems that will be presented in
Hannover are designed to meet needs that industry has not even
recognized yet. These include enzymes that can be used to impregnate
bottle corks, treat textiles or bleach paper pulp.

The "German White Technology Platform" is an alliance of different
organizations and associations that have joined forces to promote the
maximum exploitation of the potential offered by industrial or white
biotechnology. The "German White Biotechnology Platform" conference
featured in the BIOTECHNICA program will be held on 8 October from 10
a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in the Convention Center (CC) at the Hannover
exhibition grounds. Prospective participants are asked to register in
advance of the event. Further information on the conference program,
as well as the terms and conditions of participation, can be found at
www.biotechnica.de/kon

About EUROPEAN BIOPERSPECTIVES

EUROPEAN BIOPERSPECTIVES is a biotechnology congress that brings
together 18 associations and organizations from the bio-sciences and
biotechnology with the aim of staging a cutting-edge, top level
scientific lecture program. The collaboration is a partnership
representing approx. 30,000 members from the scientific community. A
committee made up of renowned representatives and scientists is
responsible for a multi-faceted program covering a broad spectrum of
themes and different disciplines of biotechnology. Since its inception
in 2004 BIOPERSPECTIVES has represented an extension of the
traditional and highly esteemed annual DECHEMA conference. As
Germany's leading biotechnology congress, it attracted no fewer than
2,000 participants when it last took place.

About BIOTECHNICA

BIOTECHNICA in Hannover is the leading European event for the
biotech industry. It covers all branches of biotechnology, and ranges
from the basic science to equipment, bioinformatics and services to
the five principal areas of application - pharmaceuticals and
medicine, industry, nutrition, agriculture and the environment.
BIOTECHNICA has been staged by Deutsche Messe AG at the Hannover
Exhibition Grounds since 1985. Meanwhile the BIOTECHNICA brand has
developed a global presence with shows such as BIOTECH CHINA in Asia
and BIOTECHNICA AMERICA in the USA.

Additional press releases and photos may be downloaded from:

www.biotechnica.de/pressservice

BIOTECHNICA
Deutsche Messe
Katharina Siebert
Tel. +49 511 89-31028
E-mail: katharina.siebert@messe.de

Copyright Business Wire 2008