Biosyntia and Wacker signed a contract to develop a large-scale production process for fermentation-based biotin. The long-term partnership aims to make fermentation-based biotin available for the full range of relevant applications as a sustainable, non-chemical, European-sourced alternative, according to a Wacker official.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a coenzyme for the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) attributes health-promoting effects, so-called health claims, to biotin. Seven health claims have been defined. For example, biotin contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and macronutrient metabolisms as well as to the maintenance of normal skin and hair.
Demand for biotin, which is also used as a dietary supplement, is rising sharply, driven by the megatrends in health and well-being, notes Wacker citing a recent study that predicts growth of around 10 percent per year in the coming years, while the company also points out that the biotin currently available on the market is synthetically produced from non-renewable petrochemicals.
Biotin has a wide range of applications in food & beverages, infant nutrition, nutraceuticals, pet food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. “With fermentation-based biotin, we want to offer customers a non-chemical, sustainable alternative that is produced in Europe,” adds Susanne Leonhartsberger, president of Wacker Biosolutions, Wacker’s life science division.
