Biosyntia and Wacker Chemie develop fermentation-based biotin
10 Jan 2022 --- Danish biotech company Biosyntia is partnering with Wacker Chemie, a German polymer supplier, to develop a large-scale production process for fermentation-based biotin based on Biosyntia’s microbial technology.
The two companies aim for the material to be available “for the full range of relevant applications as a sustainable, non-chemical, European-sourced alternative.” It is currently only produced synthetically from petrochemicals.
Biosyntia initially launched the fermented biotin product called BIO-B7, which was produced from a sugar-based fermentation process. The company’s proprietary microbial technology platform is building a rapidly growing pipeline of active ingredients for the beauty and nutrition industries.
Wacker, meanwhile, brings expertise in biotechnological process development and industrial-scale fermentation, which it already uses to produce L-cysteine.
Biosyntia has reportedly been growing at 10% a year and is expected to reach US$376 million in 2026.
Biotin’s potential in various industries
Also known as vitamin B7, biotin is a coenzyme for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.
Personal care is among its uses, as well as in F&B solutions. It also finds applications in infant nutrition, nutraceuticals, pet food, animal feed and pharmaceuticals.
The two companies aim for the material to be available “for the full range of relevant applications as a sustainable, non-chemical, European-sourced alternative.”
Among recent biotin launches, personalized health and wellness company Hims & Hers launched personal care products formulated with biotin.
Meanwhile, RevitaLash Cosmetics unveiled an “ultra-reparative” treatment for lashes and brows, branded Lash & Brow Masque, which contains biotin that conditions and strengthens.
Biosyntia’s business activity
In previous developments, Biosyntia entered the global ingredients market through a partnership with Lantana Bio to create a new technology platform. The two will develop a more sustainable production process for flavonoids through the platform.
Commenting on this move, Lantana Bio’s CEO Michael Naesby stated that “the partnership with Biosyntia is a great step forward toward our ambition of bringing sustainably produced flavonoids to market at affordable prices.”
“The partnership with Biosyntia allows Lantana to fully focus on developing high performing strains, using our state-of-the-art engineering technology, and we are looking forward to working with Biosyntia in this partnership.”
In other moves, Biosyntia and Givaudan entered a long-term collaboration for sustainable ingredient development last year, motivated by the growth in demand for natural products.
“This collaboration will enable Givaudan to launch a flavor ingredient that is both natural and sustainable, helping to make their product stand out in a very competitive field,” comments Martin Plambech, CEO of Biosyntia.
Biosyntia’s technology platform enables the development of natural materials that are “differentiated, consistent and sustainable,” notes Fabio Campanile, Givaudan’s Global Head of Science & Technology, Taste & Wellbeing.
By Nicole Kerr
