Phytolon

© Phytolon

Fermentation

Phytolon and Ginkgo Bioworks Reach Key Milestone in Natural Food Colors as FDA Moves to Ban Synthetic Dyes

Phytolon, a biotech startup specializing in natural food colors, and Ginkgo Bioworks, a leader in cell programming, have successfully completed the second milestone in their collaboration to improve the production of natural food colors. This achievement marks a nearly threefold increase in the efficiency of yeast strains used to produce two natural pigments: Beetroot Red and Prickly Pear Yellow. Improved strains enhance efficiency The improved strains, developed through Ginkgo’s AI-driven modeling and high-throughput screening, are designed to meet food-grade quality and performance standards across a variety of applications, including baked goods, dairy and dairy alternatives, confectioneries, and snacks. The enhanced production process not only boosts efficiency but also reduces costs and the carbon footprint of the manufacturing process. Unlike conventional natural color production methods that …

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Phytolon

© Phytolon

Fermentation

Ginkgo Bioworks and Phytolon Partnership Unlocks Full Yellow-to-Purple Spectrum in Natural Food Colors

Ginkgo Bioworks and Phytolon have announced the successful completion of the first development milestone in their partnership, unlocking the full color palette of the yellow-to-purple spectrum accessible for Phytolon’s natural food colors. Phytolon’s natural betalain pigments, derived from foods like beets and cactus fruit, present a safe and sustainable alternative to synthetic dyes. With heightened scrutiny and bans on synthetic dyes, this new innovation aims to address growing regulatory concerns and consumer demand for nature-derived products. After being founded in 2018, Phytolon secured $4.1 million in 2020 to bring its fermented food colors to market, focusing on product development and refining its fermentation technology. The company has been actively seeking partnerships ever since to enhance its technology and expand its market reach. The partnership with …

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