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- Very long chain fatty acids are obtained by applying this new technology without using food chain resources
Neol Bio, subsidiary of Neuron Bio, has filed a new patent application for a production method of very long chain fatty acids using genetically improved variants of its proprietary microorganism Neoleum®.
These very long chain fatty acids (arachidonic, erucic, gondoic and nervonic) have a wide industrial use in cosmetics, lubricants and as additives for plastics. Nervonic acid is also used in the treatment of neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, adrenoleukodystrophy and Zellweger syndrome.
At present, the only available sources for these compounds are oils extracted from plants such as honesty (silver dollars) or watercress making them scarce and expensive.
The new microorganisms patented by Neol show a huge industrial potential because they produce oils very efficiently from biological raw materials that do not compete with the human food chain and are more accessible.
Neol Bio is currently negotiating with multinational companies of the chemical sector, which have already shown an interest in this technology.
Neol Bio focuses its activities in the field of industrial biotechnology, a key enabling technology for building up the new Bioeconomy. The EU market for industrial biotechnology-derived products is expected to increase from 28 billion euro in 2013 to 50 billion euro in 2030. This growth will be largely driven by replacement of fossil carbon materials, reflecting Europe’s desire to develop more sustainable and resource-efficient products and processes.
This new patent application has been possible thanks to the R&D works started by Neol Bio in 2013 with the sequencing of genome of the Neoleum® followed by the development of genetic tools for the modification of its metabolism. This proprietary genetic toolbox has paved the way to new processes of high-value oleochemicals production.