BaCta uses artificial bacteria to produce natural rubber and reduce CO2 emissions

Synthetic biology and precision fermentation continue to gain popularity among entrepreneurs, and startups in this field are becoming increasingly diverse. However, it is quite unusual to come across a company that uses genetic engineering to create natural rubber. Natural rubber is a material that is difficult to synthesise in the lab because of its long polymer chains.

Paris-based baCta has developed a unique technology that uses genetically modified Escherichia coli bacteria to synthesise natural rubber under artificial conditions. The startup claims that the process is based on renewable resources - for example, they currently use glucose, but plan to introduce acetate and carbon into the process. Notably, the method is carbon neutral, making it more environmentally friendly than traditional production methods.

The startup recently raised €3.3 million to move to the next stage - industrialising its technology. The goal is to learn how to produce rubber not in milligrams as it is now, but in much larger quantities sufficient for industrial use.

Most natural rubber today is extracted from the latex of hevea trees, but this process often leads to deforestation and is associated with environmental problems. On the other hand, synthetic rubber is petroleum-based, which also has a negative impact on the environment. With stricter requirements to reduce carbon emissions, especially in Europe, companies are looking for new, greener ways of production.

The CEO of baCta, Mathieu Noe, is confident that the startup will be able to scale its technology and make it cost-competitive. The key is the use of AI and synthetic enzymes to speed up the rubber polymerisation process inside the bacteria. This not only reduces costs, but also helps to significantly reduce the carbon footprint.

Initially, baCta plans to offer its material to luxury fashion and footwear brands where small volumes of raw materials are required. The company then intends to enter the more mass market, including automotive and industrial products.