NEW TECH FOODS

Amsterdam-based sustainable ingredients producer, Corbion, has entered a strategic partnership with US biotech company Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) to develop and commercialise a natural astaxanthin product made from non-GMO heterotrophic algae.

Astaxanthin, a red-orange carotenoid pigment, is a powerful antioxidant found in microalgae, salmon and shrimp. It is widely used in human nutrition as a dietary supplement and in aquaculture as a feed ingredient, particularly for salmon.

Currently, most commercial astaxanthin is either chemically synthesised for aquaculture or extracted from the microalgae Haematococcus grown under light conditions for human health applications. Corbion and KAS plan to offer an alternative produced through controlled fermentation of non-GMO, heterotrophic Haematococcus, which they say will provide greater scalability and consistency.

The partners will focus on developing an esterified form of the compound, designed to deliver improved stability, fat solubility and bioavailability. The product will target both the nutraceutical and aquaculture sectors.

Corbion will contribute its industrial production expertise and regulatory knowledge, while KAS brings its fermentation platform and proprietary algae strains.

“This partnership reinforces our commitment to sustainable, science-based solutions,” said Robert Jan de Voogd, general manager of algae ingredients North America at Corbion. “KAS’ technology offers a strong foundation to deliver high-quality natural astaxanthin to customers looking for a clean-label alternative.”

According to the company, development and technical transfer are already underway, with further updates expected as the project advances.