Microbial Phytosterol Production: A Sustainable Approach by acib

June 24, 2024

Microbial Phytosterol Production: A Sustainable Approach by acib

Author: Martin Trinker

The quest for healthier lifestyles has driven substantial interest in natural compounds with proven health benefits. Among these, phytosterols stand out as a powerful group of substances with a plethora of positive effects on human and animal health. Despite their significance, dietary intake often falls short, leading to elevated cholesterol levels and increased cardiovascular risks. The Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology (acib) is pioneering a solution through microbial production of phytosterols, offering a sustainable, efficient, and reliable alternative to traditional plant-based sources.

The Importance of Phytosterols for Health and Cosmetics

Phytosterols, encompassing over 250 steroid compounds derived from plants, are celebrated for their various health benefits, inclucing:

Antioxidant Effects: They help combat oxidative stress, a key factor in aging and various diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Phytosterols possess anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to overall health and well-being.
Cancer Prevention: Emerging research highlights their potential in reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Given that humans cannot synthesize these compounds, external supplementation or administration is essential. The rising demand for phytosterols in food and cosmetic products underscores their significance in contemporary health and wellness trends.

The Challenges of Traditional Phytosterol Sources

Sourcing phytosterols from plants presents several challenges:

Low Concentrations: Plant sources often contain phytosterols in low amounts, necessitating large quantities for extraction.
Variable Yields: Seasonal variations and agricultural conditions lead to inconsistent yields and quality.
Complex Purification: Extracting pure phytosterols from plants is labor-intensive and often results in contamination with undesirable substances.
Environmental Impact: Large-scale agriculture for phytosterol extraction imposes significant environmental strains, including land use and water consumption.

These limitations highlight the need for innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for phytosterols without compromising on quality or sustainability.

Microbial Production: A Sustainable Alternative

acib is addressing these challenges through the microbial production of phytosterols using the yeast strains Komagataella phaffii (also known as Pichia pastoris). This industrial yeast strain has been genetically modified to produce sterols more efficiently.

Key Advantages of Microbial Production:

Consistency and Quality: Microbial production ensures consistent yield and quality, eliminating the variability associated with plant-based sources.
Sustainability: Microbial processes significantly reduce environmental impact, utilizing less land and water.
Scalability: The robust growth of K. phaffii, with rapid doubling times and high cell density, supports large-scale production.
Economic Viability: Cost-effective media and efficient growth conditions make microbial production economically attractive.

The Technology Behind the Innovation

acib’s genetically enhanced K. phaffii strain is an ideal platform for phytosterol production due to its rapid growth and high cell density capabilities. This yeast can grow in inexpensive media and reach a dry cell weight of over 100 g/L, making it highly efficient for large-scale production.

The pre-studies conducted by acib have focused on key phytosterols such as:

Campesterol
Brassicasterol
β-sitosterol
Stigmasterol

These compounds are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and could be used for food and cosmetic applications.

Conclusion: Embrace the Future of Phytosterol Production

Phytosterols play a crucial role in promoting health, but traditional sourcing methods fall short in meeting the growing demand. acib’s innovative microbial production approach offers a sustainable, consistent, and economically viable alternative. By partnering with acib, you can be at the forefront of this revolutionary method, contributing to a healthier future while benefiting from a robust and scalable production process.
Take the lead with acib and pioneer the future of phytosterol production. For more information and to explore this opportunity further, visit this technology on our online research marketplace.

Picture: Pixabay/acib