Workshop on Moving beyond Drop-In Replacements: Performance Advantaged Biobased Chemicals

On June 1, 2017, the U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) will sponsor a workshop to seek stakeholder feedback on research and development for novel biobased compounds. The following are proposed topic areas to be covered at the workshop: (1) Would a strategy document for biobased novel compounds and functional replacements be useful? What would it look like? (2) What is the best strategy for developing a biobased novel compounds and functional replacements guiding document? (3) What are the biggest challenges in identifying novel compounds and functional replacements? (4) What are the most critical properties to screen for when developing screening protocols? (5) How can BETO best bridge the gap between those producing novel biobased compounds and those who need novel compounds or replacements for their formulations? 

The discussion will be restricted to polymers, including biopolymers and polymers from novel monomers; small molecules like plasticizers, solvents, surfactants, and preservatives; and other building block chemicals. Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical targets are not of interest.