Jennewein Biotechnologie develops new fermentation technology for human milk oligosaccharides and expands its product portfolio
Jennewein Biotechnologie GmbH announces the introduction of a total biosynthesis approach for the production of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs). Currently the production of HMOs by fermentation requires lactose as a starting material. Lactose is a costly dairy by-product and is difficult to handle in large-scale fermentations.
Photo by Rainier Ridao on Unsplash
Jennewein Biotechnologie has recently developed processes for the complete biosynthesis of complex HMOs from simple carbon sources rather than lactose. “The introduction of total biosynthesis concepts makes the fermentation process more robust and also more cost effective,” states Dr. Stefan Jennewein (CEO). “The last point is particularly relevant because even the most advanced infant formulae contain lower concentrations of HMOs than natural human milk.” Glyn Brookman (Director of Sales) takes up the story: “In order to replace unnecessary HMO surrogates, like Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), in infant formulae, the cost of HMOs must be addressed.”
Dr. Benedikt Engels (Chief Operation Officer) continues: “The new total biosynthesis process will initially replace our current large-scale fermentation process for the production of 2′-fucosyllactose, and will also be used to produce lacto-N-neotetraose.” Dr. Stefan Jennewein sums up the promise of the new technology: “The introduction of our total biosynthesis concept for HMOs is a big leap forward in our mission to bring the significant health benefits of HMOs into every infant formula product for the benefit of all babies.”
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