Peoria, IL – November 21st, 2025 – The Midwest Bioprocessing Center (MBC) has announced a new collaboration with researchers at the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to design and implement the next generation of bioreactors for large-scale production of FeruliShield™, MBC’s bio-based antioxidant and SPF booster for skincare and suncare applications.
The project is funded in part by the Illinois Manufacturing and Innovation Voucher Program, which supports small and mid-sized Illinois companies in developing and scaling new technologies through collaborative R&D partnerships with Illinois universities and research institutions. The Innovation Voucher Program is administered by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC) in partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
This new bioreactor will significantly increase MBC’s FeruliShield™ production capacity, enabling up to 12 tons per year by early 2026 and 24 tons or more annually by 2027. The expansion will help meet growing global demand for sustainable skincare ingredients recognized for enhancing SPF performance, protecting skin from oxidative stress, and maintaining clean-label appeal.
“FeruliShield™ represents the next generation of sustainable skincare innovation, where biotechnology and nature converge to deliver exceptional performance,” said David Demirjian, Ph.D., President of Midwest Bioprocessing Center. “With support from the Illinois Voucher Program and the expertise of the IBRL team, we’re building the biomanufacturing infrastructure needed to bring sustainable ingredients to scale right here in Illinois.”
“This partnership underscores the importance of industry–academic collaboration, which our region in central Illinois is uniquely designed to do,” said Beth Conerty, Associate Director of Business Development at IBRL. “This is why IBRL is a leading member of the iFAB Tech Hub, a consortium made up of both higher education institutions and biotech industry leaders. Our collective belief is that partnerships like this one between IBRL and MBC are a key component to translating cutting-edge research into scalable, sustainable manufacturing solutions.”
The collaboration unites MBC’s proprietary bioprocessing technology with IBRL’s pilot-scale engineering expertise to optimize reactor design, mixing, and enzyme performance. Together, the teams aim to reduce production costs and environmental footprint while strengthening Illinois’ leadership in the U.S. bioeconomy.
The partnership highlights the critical role of industry–academic collaboration in advancing innovation. Through joint efforts with companies like MBC, IBRL is helping transform cutting-edge research into scalable, sustainable manufacturing solutions that strengthen the bioeconomy and accelerate real-world impact.
The FeruliShield™ bioreactor project highlights how Illinois’ investment in advanced bioprocessing enables local companies to compete globally in clean beauty and renewable chemicals—fostering both economic growth and sustainability across the state.
ABOUT IBRL:
The Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory (IBRL) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a state-of-the-art pilot-scale facility bridging academic research and industrial application in bioprocessing. As a lead consortium member for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, IBRL provides expertise, equipment, and infrastructure to help companies scale up novel biomanufacturing processes, supporting the growth of the Illinois bioeconomy.
ABOUT THE ILLINOIS INNOVATION VOUCHER PROGRAM
The Illinois Innovation Voucher Program is funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and administered by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition (ISTC). The program offers competitive grants of up to $75,000 to support research and development (R&D) collaborations between small businesses and Illinois higher education institutions.
The program is designed to foster innovation, commercialization, and economic growth by empowering companies to access university expertise and facilities. Eligible projects span key sectors including agribusiness and agtech, energy, information technology, life sciences and healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.
For more information, visit https://ilinnovoucher.istcoalition.org/
ABOUT MIDWEST BIOPROCESSING CENTER:
The Midwest Bioprocessing Center (MBC), based in Peoria, Illinois, develops and commercializes advanced bioprocessing technologies for sustainable chemicals and functional ingredients. Leveraging proprietary enzyme and cell-free synthesis platforms, MBC creates bio-based products for health, nutrition, and personal care—most notably FeruliShield™, the company’s signature antioxidant and SPF-boosting ingredient.
Media Contact:
Midwest Bioprocessing Center
press@mwbioprocessing.com | www.mwbioprocessing.com
801 W. Main Street, Peoria, IL 61606
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