Evonik's Biotech Breakthrough Successfully Mimics Human Collagen

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Recombinant collagen derived from fermentation-based processes will, for the first time, provide medical, pharmaceutical, cell culture and tissue engineering markets with a highly soluble, ultra-pure form of collagen, reports Evonik inventors.

The company highlighted the breakthrough innovation in a press announcement describing the collagen platform, which features a triple helix structure and other biological properties that mimic attributes of natural collagen. As such, it reportedly can reliably interact with cells and tissues and be readily absorbed or remodelled by the body.

Whereas animal-sourced collagen can experience batch-to-batch variability, the potential transmission of diseases or pathogens, adverse immunogenic or allergic reactions, and non-sustainable sourcing methods, this recombinant collagen is produced under controlled conditions via a fermentation. In addition to being sustainable and suitable for vegan use, this process delivers an ultra-high level of purity that is safe and easily reproducible at any commercial scale.

“This is arguably our biggest innovation breakthrough in recent years: A fermentation-based collagen platform that can effectively substitute the use of animal-derived collagen in pharmaceutical, medical and cell culture markets,” said Thomas Riermeier, Ph.D., senior vice president and general manager for the health care business line of Evonik.

“Biotechnology is an important lever for growth and innovation within Evonik Nutrition & Care that leverages our core competencies across fermentation, biomaterials and product industrialization,” added Johann-Caspar Gammelin, chairman of the board of management of Evonik Nutrition & Care.

“This new collagen platform strongly complements other recent fermentation-driven biotech breakthroughs that have been pioneered by Evonik, including biosurfactants for household and cosmetic applications, and omega-3 fatty acids from natural marine algae for animal nutrition.”

For more information, contact Evonik.

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