Biotechnology is becoming a fundamental driver of innovation in materials science as companies seek sustainable alternatives to natural materials that minimize environmental impact. Among the most pressing areas for improvement is the production of rubber, a critical material whose traditional methods have significant ecological drawbacks. Rubber harvesting is a leading cause of deforestation in Southeast Asia and Africa, resulting in severe habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity. Moreover, rubber usage, particularly in car tyres, contributes to environmental pollution. As tyres wear down, tiny particles are released into the air and onto road surfaces, adversely affecting air quality, soil health, and water systems, as well as posing risks to human health.

While some companies are exploring recycled rubber, bio-based components, and even dandelion-derived rubber as alternatives, the French biotech company baCta is taking a revolutionary approach by producing biosynthetic natural rubber. This innovation not only offers a sustainable solution but also reduces carbon emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. The company, founded by Mathieu Nohet, aims to transform the rubber industry with a groundbreaking carbon-negative production process.

Mathieu Nohet’s journey to founding baCta is as compelling as the technology itself. With a background in mathematics and computer science, Nohet began his career as a software engineer in Silicon Valley, later moving on to establish Manty, a data analytics platform for public administrations. Manty’s success, culminating in its acquisition by Relyens in 2022, allowed Nohet to pivot towards sustainability—a passion driven by his interest in leveraging technology to address environmental challenges. Drawing inspiration from advancements in synthetic biology, particularly RNA vaccine technology, Nohet identified raw materials as a key area for innovation. Through self-directed study and online graduate-level courses in biology and organic chemistry, he developed the expertise to pursue his vision.

Rubber emerged as a focal point for Nohet due to its significant global demand and the lack of sustainable alternatives. With support from esteemed scientist Pr Ariel Lindner, and alongside co-founders Marie Rouquette and Selcuk Aslan, Nohet established baCta. The company’s goal is to revolutionize rubber production using a proprietary biotechnology process. Their approach involves genetically engineered bacteria, specifically Escherichia coli (E. coli), which are transformed into miniature factories for producing high-quality rubber.

The process begins by feeding the bacteria renewable carbon sources such as glucose, though baCta is actively researching the use of acetate and even carbon captured directly from the atmosphere. Inside the bacteria, advanced enzymes designed with the help of AI convert the carbon into isoprene, a key building block of rubber. The bacteria then utilize synthetic organelles, which mimic the natural processes found in rubber trees, to polymerize the isoprene into rubber. Finally, the rubber is extracted and purified to produce a hypoallergenic product with ultra-low impurity levels. The entire process is carbon-negative, helping to reduce emissions by up to 151%.

This innovative technology enables baCta to produce a drop-in replacement for conventional rubber, meaning it can be seamlessly integrated into existing supply chains without requiring extensive changes to current manufacturing processes. Although still in its early stages, baCta is initially focusing on high-value applications such as luxury watch straps and premium footwear. Over time, the company plans to expand into industrial and automotive markets, with a particular interest in components like vibration dampeners and shock absorbers. The ultimate goal is to bring this sustainable rubber to the tyre manufacturing industry, where it has the potential to make a significant environmental impact.

baCta’s work has attracted widespread attention from both the scientific and business communities. Advisors include Pr Pablo Nikel from DTU University and Dr Steffen Lindner-Mehlich from Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, while experienced biotech entrepreneurs like Dan Windmaier, the founder of Bolt Threads, have also lent their support. Beyond rubber, baCta is exploring the potential of isoprenoids, a class of compounds used in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biofuels, which could open up additional markets and applications for its technology.

Rubber production is an industry ripe for disruption, and baCta’s innovative approach positions it at the forefront of this transformation. By combining the principles of synthetic biology with advanced AI, the company is not only addressing the environmental challenges of rubber production but also setting a new standard for sustainability in materials science. As baCta scales its operations, its vision for carbon-negative, sustainable materials has the potential to redefine manufacturing and contribute significantly to a greener global economy.