CinderBio

CinderBio represents a specialized biotechnology firm focused on the commercialization of extremophilic enzymes. Founded in 2012 by biochemists Dr. Steven M. Yannone and Dr. Jill O. Fuss, the company leverages patented technology developed over a decade of research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab). The founders' journey began with a shared scientific curiosity about how microbes could survive in extreme environments like volcanic hot springs. This academic pursuit evolved into a commercial venture aimed at harnessing these uniquely stable enzymes for industrial applications. Dr. Yannone, serving as CEO, brings over 17 years of experience from his time as faculty at Berkeley Lab, while Dr. Fuss, who served as CTO and later departed in 2021, has a background in molecular and cell biology.

Operating in the industrial enzymes market, CinderBio targets sectors that require robust biocatalysts capable of functioning in harsh conditions of high heat and acidity. The company's business model is centered on producing and supplying these enzymes to replace or reduce the reliance on harsh chemicals in various industrial processes. This approach offers clients a more sustainable and efficient alternative. Revenue is generated through the sale of its enzyme products and potentially through licensing its technology. Initial target markets included the food processing industry for cleaning and sanitation, with field trials demonstrating significant reductions in water usage and effective removal of contaminants. The company has since expanded its focus to include proteomics, biofuels, alternative proteins, and the paper and textile industries.

CinderBio's core products are a new class of heat- and acid-stable enzymes derived from archaea, a type of ancient single-celled organism found in volcanic waters. These enzymes, such as the HTA-Proteases named Krakatoa and Vesuvius, are distinct in their ability to operate in conditions like nearly boiling acid, where traditional enzymes would be destroyed. This durability allows for faster and more efficient biochemical reactions. In the proteomics field, their enzymes enable sample preparation for mass spectrometry in as little as five minutes, a significant time savings that could facilitate acute-care clinical applications. For industrial cleaning, their products offer a biodegradable alternative to chemical-based solutions, reducing chemical waste and allowing for water reclamation. The company has received backing through various accelerator programs, including Cyclotron Road and Berkeley SkyDeck, and has secured grant funding from institutions like the NIH, NSF, and USDA to support commercialization efforts.

Keywords: extremophilic enzymes, industrial enzymes, proteomics, biocatalysts, archaea enzymes, heat-stable enzymes, acid-stable enzymes, sustainable chemicals, CinderBio, Steven Yannone, Jill Fuss, cleantech, food processing sanitation, biofilm removal, biofuel enzymes, protein sequencing, mass spectrometry sample prep, HTA-Proteases, enzyme technology, Berkeley Lab startup