Montana Biotech specializes in developing commercial products from microorganisms living in extreme environments, such as boiling, acidic, or high-sulfur pools.

Company researchers find and analyze these organisms, called extremophiles, isolate their unique compounds, and develop commercial products from these compounds.

"We are proud to receive this contract and are anxious to see the results," Fred Albert, president of Montana Biotech said Wednesday.

The company is located on East Baseline Road behind Gallatin Field near Belgrade.

Mr. Albert said the company responded to solicitation from the Department of Defense requesting a solution to the problem on how to eliminate adhesives that create volatile organic compounds (VOC).

The military alone creates 1.6 million pounds of VOC, Mr. Albert added.

The DoD is interested in developing new adhesives to replace current adhesives that contain compounds posing a significant health hazard to military personnel.

Microorganisms living in hot springs and thermal pools naturally secrete bioadhesives to attach themselves to their surroundings and to each other.

These bioadhesives are non-toxic, remain stable well beyond temperatures at which normal adhesives break down, and form strong bonds in water.

All of these characteristics are highly desirable for military use.

Montana Biotech researchers will screen roughly 1,200 extremophiles in their permanent collection and develop a list of the compounds with the greatest potential for further development and commercialization.

The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency are also working with Montana Biotech on the project.

"This contract is good news for Montana because it demonstrates, yet again, the scientific expertise available in Montana," Burns said. "The MSU TechLink Center is providing a much-needed service to Montana by attracting good, high-paying jobs to our state, while making vital contributions to the nation's scientific community."

Senator Burns was instrumental in establishing the TechLink Center, which helped Montana Biotech secure this contract.

TechLink receives funding from various federal agencies to link companies in Montana and the surrounding states with U.S. government research laboratories for development, transfer, and commercialization of new technologies.

TechLink's efforts support the missions of these federal agencies and, at the same time, help companies in the state and region to access opportunities that ultimately stimulate the economy.

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