MALVERN, PA — Ecovyst Inc. (NYSE: ECVT) has announced the launch of its innovative AlphaCat® advanced silica products, marking a significant milestone in the biocatalysis sector. This new range of silica-based products aims to enhance the capabilities of biocatalysis, a field increasingly pivotal in the production of food, fuels, and chemicals.
The announcement, made during Ecovyst’s Investor Day in November 2024, highlights the company’s strategic investments in expanding research and development facilities in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. These enhancements have led to the creation of products that serve dual purposes: as functionalized silica supports for enzyme immobilization, and as biocatalysts with enzymes pre-immobilized on the silica.
Paul Whittleston, President of Advanced Materials & Catalysts Business at Ecovyst, emphasized the innovation behind these products. “Our team at Conshohocken has developed and launched a unique advanced silicas testing kit that enables biocatalysis customers to test a range of silicas with different functionalities to quantify the value by using immobilized enzymes,” he explained. The company has also refined its manufacturing and quality processes at its Kansas City, Kansas facility, ensuring the advanced silica supports are effectively functionalized and ready for enzyme immobilization.
Dr. Yatao Hu, Senior Director for Advanced Silicas at Ecovyst, highlighted the collaborative approach with customers in developing these solutions. “Working in partnership with our customers to develop unique solutions is where we excel,” he stated. Dr. Hu noted the growing interest and applications of immobilized enzyme-driven biocatalysis due to its specificity, energy efficiency, low hazard profile, and cost-effectiveness. “With our expanded expertise and new laboratory and production capabilities, we are excited to work with even more customers to develop new enzyme-based processes.”
Ecovyst’s AlphaCat® products are expected to make significant strides in the realm of biocatalysis, offering robust solutions for industries looking to innovate and improve their manufacturing processes. This launch not only strengthens Ecovyst’s position in advanced materials but also sets a new standard for biocatalytic applications.
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