In Missouri, researchers have converted corn into a natural alternative for purple artificial food dyes. A team with University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources have created a line of anthocyanins from purple corn traditionally grown in South America. The pigment is found in the kernel’s outer layer, or pericarp. “It’s the layer […]
In France, flavors and fragrances major Symrise has signed a put option agreement to acquire Floral Concept, a premium natural ingredients house for fragrances headquartered in Saint-Cezaire-sur-Siagne. Financial terms were not disclosed. Floral Concept’s portfolio includes natural fragrance ingredients derived from some of perfumery’s most valued botanicals, including jasmine, rose, orange blossom, ambrette and blackcurrant. […]
In the United Kingdom, biodesigner Lucia Giron and the University of Cambridge’s Department of Biochemistry have created a series of algae-based battery prototypes. A specialized semi-permeable membrane enables gas exchange while limiting evaporation, while a filament-like electrode structure provides a textured surface for algae to attach and integrate, bringing the biological and electrical components into […]
In Switzerland, flooring manufacturer Forbo is converting agricultural waste into a renewable flooring solution with Marmoleum Cocoa, a version of its Marmoleum flooring that incorporates discarded cocoa shells from cacao production. Marmoleum Cocoa is made with up to 98% natural raw materials, including linseed oil, wood flour, jute, and reclaimed cocoa shells sourced through Netherlands-based […]
In Estonia, state-owned applied research center and central metrology authority Metrosert has signed a €2 million (US$1.14 million) contract with construction company Savekate OÜ to establish a synthetic biology pilot plant. The pilot facility will give biotechnology companies a previously unavailable opportunity to test and develop new production processes before making major industrial investments, helping […]
In Indonesia, researchers at Hasanuddin University researchers have developed a biodegradable multilayer polylactic acid film reinforced with coconut water-derived cellulose and butylated hydroxytoluene. The team believes its oxygen-scavenging and mechanical properties make it a viable alternative for most plastic packaging. The scientists produced bacterial cellulose by fermenting coconut water using a process similar to that […]
In Italy, World Cup standout Erling Haaland has posted himself on social media engaging in some well-deserved, post-tournament R&R. The Norwegian star videoed himself hitting golf balls off a yacht in the Mediterranean—and later clarified to curious fans that the balls were biodegradable. Haaland said on Snapchat that the golf balls actually dissolve in the […]
In Sweden, precision fermentation company Melt&Marble has launched Marble7®, its first precision-fermented lipid ingredient for the personal care market. The lipid, which debuted at in-cosmetics Korea last week, is a 3-in-1 bioactive designed for use in skincare, makeup and hair care formulations. It offers a biomimetic skin lipid profile and is rich in Omega-7 and other […]
In New York, flavors, fragrances, and health and biosciences giant IFF has entered into an agreement with SuanNutra, a Carbyne Equity Partners portfolio company and global provider of science-backed branded and functional ingredients, to sell its portfolio of botanical extracts, vitamins and minerals, and food enhancement activities, including its range of natural colors and antioxidants […]
In Europe, the EU is investing €5.5 million ($6.3 million) in a research consortium looking to produce cocoa more sustainably by using cell culture. COCO-AI, short for “AI-Optimised Plant Cell Culture Platform for Sustainable Production of Secondary Metabolites, Demonstrated with Cocoa” is using AI to analyze biological data and optimize plant cell growth, helping researchers create […]
