CHINA— Angel Yeast, a globally listed yeast and yeast extract manufacturer, has partnered with Bejing PhaBuilder Biotechnology Co., Ltd (PhaBuilder) to build a large manufacturing base for polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) in the Yichang, China.
PHAs are degradable, biocompatible, thermoplastic polyesters derived from microorganisms, used as a reserve of carbon and energy. Its biodegradable and biocompatible properties make it highly sought-after in fields such as biomedical material and biodegradable packaging material.
“This collaboration with PhaBuilder marks a milestone and a significant step forward for Angel Yeast in synthetic biology. At Angel Yeast, we are very keen on innovation and exploration of new landscapes in the industry. This project is also part of our efforts to be an international and professional biotechnology company,” said Tao Xiong, chairman of Angel Yeast.
He added that the partnership is expected to forge a new venture in bioeconomy, fuel innovation in synthetic biology, and drive the expansion of the global market.
Guoqiang Chen, the founder of PhaBuilder, added that by working with Angel Yeast on the initiative, major inroads have been made in converting technology breakthroughs into industrial programs for synthetic biology.
“The new production line of PHA with the capacity of 30,000 tons will certainly bring more advanced technologies, new services and products for the industry and consumers and also create a ‘greener’ lifestyle,” said Chen.
In addition to synthetic biology, Angel Yeast has also been exploring cutting-edge development in biological agriculture. According to the company, it will be engaged in a project to produce animal feed through biological fermentation. Angel Yeast will invest some 120 million yuan to build the manufacturing center with an annual capacity of 50,000 tons.
The project is estimated to start in August 2022 and to be completed in September the next year. One highlight of the project is that it uses Distillers’ Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) as one raw material to produce yeast culture products. As a new category, yeast culture products will diversify the company’s animal nutrition products lineup.
“Most consumers might not be familiar with fermentation nutrients. Actually, these products are vital to our daily life and health,” added Qin. He further explained that fermentation nutrient products are key ingredients for the production of insulin, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, probiotics, vaccines and many others,” said Xianwu Qin, chief engineer of Angel Yeast.
The company has thus set its sights on the biomedical sector and its yeast extract powders and yeast protein hydrolysates have been applied successfully in vaccines and other biological products.
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