🧬 This funding will enhance biomanufacturing capabilities, allowing the installation of a new fermenter.
💡 Mark Arnold believes this will strengthen Iowa’s bioeconomy and create opportunities for local companies and students.
🚀 The center aims to collaborate with more businesses and improve research support.
Introduction:
The article discusses the recent $1 million grant awarded to the University of Iowa’s Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB) by the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board. This funding will facilitate the expansion of the center’s biomanufacturing infrastructure, particularly aimed at enhancing the bioeconomy in Iowa.
- The grant will fund the installation of a large fermenter, thereby doubling the capacity for protein manufacturing at the CBB.
- Director Mark Arnold emphasizes that the expanded capacity will enable the production of proteins with research and commercial value.
- The center engages students in biomanufacturing through research and internship opportunities, aiming to foster career interest in this field.
- Future plans include collaborations with more Iowa companies and educational partnerships with Kirkwood Community College.
- The grant aligns with the CBB’s educational objectives and seeks to support the emergence of successful startup companies from research initiatives.
Conclusion:
The funding awarded to the University of Iowa’s CBB highlights the potential for enhancing biomanufacturing capabilities in Iowa. By amplifying infrastructure and fostering student engagement, the center aims to play a pivotal role in strengthening the bioeconomy and supporting new ventures driven by research collaborations.


