21st.BIO, a leading technology partner in precision fermentation, has launched a development program for bovine alpha-lactalbumin (α-lac) after exclusively licensing a high-yield microbial strain from Novonesis. α-lac is a highly functional milk protein rich in essential amino acids, currently used in infant nutrition, functional food, and health-focused applications. The traditional method of extracting α-lac from cow’s milk is costly and inefficient, making it one of the most expensive dairy proteins on the market. 21st.BIO’s precision fermentation technology offers a scalable, animal-free solution, enabling companies to produce α-lac at a lower cost and with higher purity. The company is working with customers to develop industrial-scale production, providing access to production-ready microbial strains, tailored fermentation and downstream process development, and regulatory advisory services. With the global demand for dairy proteins expected to outpace supply by 2030, 21st.BIO’s technology aims to bridge the protein supply gap, reducing pressure on natural resources and creating a more resilient supply chain. The company’s mission is to make precision fermentation technology accessible to companies, supporting the development of innovative biotech products at a competitive price.
21st.BIO introduces a precision fermentation initiative to produce bovine alpha-lactalbumin with enhanced accuracy.
