Corbion in two deals

Corbion has concluded two separate deals in short order: with Germany’s BRAIN Biotech in the development of novel biobased antimicrobial compounds and derivatives; and with US-based biotech Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) to develop and commercialise a natural astaxanthin derived from non-GMO heterotrophic Haematococcus, the primary natural source of astaxanthin.

The Amsterdam-based company, which focuses on sustainable ingredients, said that its work with BRAIN will accelerate its efforts “to deliver enabling preservation capabilities to food manufacturers that also resonate with consumers looking for food products based on natural ingredients”.

Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant and red-orange carotenoid pigment found in various aquatic organisms, including microalgae, salmon and shrimp. It is used in health benefits and as a feed ingredient for aquaculture. Currently, most commercially available astaxanthin is either chemically synthesised. Corbion will use KAS’s fermentation platform and proprietary non-GMO algae strain.