Precision-fermented model of lactoferrin is linked to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-senescence advantages.
Meals expertise firm De Novo Foodlabs has secured new funding to advance its mission to develop animal-free, protein-based elements supporting practical diet. The brand new funding is meant to speed up the commercialization of its flagship product, NanoFerrin, a precision-fermented model of lactoferrin.
Lactoferrin, a protein present in bovine colostrum (the primary milk produced by cows after giving start) is linked to a number of well being advantages, together with immune assist, cognitive enhancement and intestine well being. As well as, it’s thought to have the potential to mitigate the effects of aging by its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-senescence properties.
The worldwide lactoferrin market was valued at $773 million in 2023 and is projected to develop at an annual charge of 15.8% over the following decade, nevertheless, based on De Novo, the standard extraction of lactoferrin from milk will not be solely costly but additionally faces provide limitations and presents moral and environmental considerations. The corporate leverages machine studying, biopharma discovery fashions and precision fermentation expertise to provide NanoFerrin, a nature-identical protein, providing a cheap, sustainable different to bovine-sourced lactoferrin.
NanoFerrin mirrors the pure properties of lactoferrin however provides the benefits of consistency, scalability and decrease manufacturing prices, which De Novo is betting will attraction to meals and beverage producers in addition to complement suppliers.
“The lactoferrin market has lengthy been hindered by excessive costs and inconsistent provide,” stated Jean Louwrens, CEO of De Novo. “NanoFerrin will not be solely extra reasonably priced and eco-friendly; importantly, it additionally supplies a dependable provide supply in comparison with conventional bovine lactoferrin merchandise.”
The brand new funding spherical, which brings the overall raised by the corporate to $4 million, was led by sustainable protein enterprise capital agency Joyful Ventures, becoming a member of traders together with Sustainable Meals Ventures, Siddhi Capital, Pascual Innoventures, UM6P Ventures, Cult Meals Science and Prithvi Capital.
Joyful Ventures’ Milo Runkle, who joins De Novo’s board of administrators, lauded the corporate’s innovation and give attention to sustainability.
“Their developments in precision fermentation expertise and dedication to creating impactful options to high-value animal-derived elements pave the way in which for scalable and worthwhile trade options,” he stated.
