Among the many physiological effects of resveratrol, recent research has found that it can activate proteins known as sirtuins that play a key role in mitigating cellular damage and age-related disorders. Sirtuins are critical to the function of mitochondria, the cellular "engines" that produce the energy needed by all cells to survive and thrive. This is thought to be, in part, the mechanism that explains the life-extension benefits associated with resveratrol observed in certain laboratory animals. These and other findings have generated intense interest in new products based on resveratrol from the dietary supplement, food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. The collaboration between CP Kelco and Fluxome Sciences will focus on the development and scale-up of a novel fermentation process based on Fluxome Sciences' proprietary metabolic engineering technology platform. A novel baker's yeast strain developed by Fluxome will be scaled up by CP Kelco to commercially produce the active form of resveratrol.
"Fluxome is the global leader in the development of bioprocessed resveratrol and other key nutraceutical ingredients. Our technology is broadly protected by a strong portfolio of patents and patent applications. The strategic partnership with CP Kelco will greatly accelerate process development and provide the manufacturing capabilities and capacity required to launch, and reliably supply the market with a natural, high-purity resveratrol ingredient. CP Kelco's application development expertise and access to key food, beverage and personal care companies will also speed up the penetration of our resveratrol products into these applications," said Steen Andersen, CEO of Fluxome Sciences.