Ex Seed has developed a genetically modified yeast strain that efficiently converts sugars into lactic acid, offering controlled acidification for food preservation. This technology enhances flavor while inhibiting spoilage bacteria, ideal for high-moisture food systems.
Ex Seed presents an innovative lactic acid-producing yeast strain designed for high-yield conversion of sugars into lactic acid. This genetically modified yeast offers a sustainable and efficient method for controlled acidification in high-moisture food systems. By converting sugars such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, maltose, and galactose into lactic acid, the yeast helps lower the pH of food products to under 4.5, effectively inhibiting spoilage bacteria and enhancing shelf life. The process also contributes to improved flavor profiles with a mild, smooth sourness.
This solution is at Technology Readiness Level 9, indicating that it has been proven in an operational environment and is ready for commercial deployment. Ex Seed plans further validation studies to evaluate pH reduction in various high-moisture food systems over a six-month research period.
Founded in 2023, Ex Seed is a deep-tech food startup from Bulgaria focusing on plant protein innovation. The founders combined chemical engineering expertise with a sustainability ethos to tackle waste from sunflower oil production – a significant industry in Eastern Europe. Ex Seed is part of an incubator program and is gaining attention for promoting sunflower protein as the next big plant protein.