Amyris applies synthetic biology to alter the metabolic pathways of microorganisms to engineer “living factories” that transform sugar into any one of 50,000 different molecules used in a wide variety of energy, pharmaceutical and chemical applications. Cosan has established product development, manufacturing and marketing capabilities. Under the joint venture, the parties will jointly commercialize the target products throughout the world. The parties expect to complete a definitive agreement later this year.

Amyris Brasil S.A., a subsidiary of Amyris, oversees the establishment and expansion of Amyris’s production in Brazil, including SMA Indústria Química S.A., its joint venture with Usina São Martinho, one of the largest sugar and ethanol producers in Brazil. (Earlier post.)

In addition, Amyris is building fuels distribution capabilities in the United States through its subsidiary, Amyris Fuels LLC.