Natural food preservation using high-purity quillaja saponins
Natural preservative approach using high-purity saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria and produced in temporary immersion bioreactors. Designed to inhibit spoilage microorganisms, including molds and yeasts such as Zygosaccharomyces bailii, with reported 2–3 log-reduction over time. Focuses on industrial scalability and ongoing testing to identify effective concentrations that preserve product quality.
Overview
A natural food preservation solution based on saponins extracted from Quillaja saponaria (Molina). The saponins are produced in temporary immersion bioreactors and provided as a high-purity extract intended to replace artificial preservatives in food products. Leveraging known antimicrobial properties, the saponins can inhibit spoilage microorganisms such as molds and yeasts, including the acid-tolerant yeast Zygosaccharomyces bailii. The approach targets consumer demand for natural ingredients and is positioned as a legally sound alternative intended for industrial food preservation.
Technical specifications
- Extraction Process: Uses a proprietary extraction method to produce a high-purity saponin extract suitable for inhibiting spoilage microorganisms.
- Microbial Efficacy: Capable of achieving a 2 to 3 log-reduction in yeast and mold populations over time.
- Industrial Application: Designed for scalability to support large-scale food production.
- Testing and Optimization: Currently undergoing product testing to determine optimal concentrations for effective preservation without compromising food quality.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at TRL 6, having been demonstrated in relevant environments but requiring further validation and optimization for widespread commercial use. Future steps include refining the extraction process, conducting extensive product testing, and performing economic feasibility analyses for large-scale production.
About Alkion BioInnovations
Alkion BioInnovations is a biotechnology company that has developed a proprietary plant tissue propagation and bioproduction platform. The company utilizes innovative hydroponic methods and specialized bioreactors to stimulate plant genes, enabling the production of high-value active compounds with high yields, purity, and batch-to-batch consistency. By employing a carbon-neutral approach in confined bioreactors, their technology provides an alternative to traditional, often unsustainable, extraction methods. The platform is designed to produce a variety of molecules, including vaccine adjuvants like QS-21, recombinant proteins, and natural sweeteners, while significantly reducing production costs, energy usage, and environmental impact compared to conventional greenhouse cultivation.
These solutions are critical for partners and customers in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and agrifood industries who require scalable, sustainable, and secure supply chains for rare or difficult-to-source natural ingredients. By enabling large-scale, year-round production of potent molecules in a controlled environment, Alkion helps address supply chain constraints for essential medical treatments and food ingredients. The company has gained industry recognition, including support from the European Innovation Council Accelerator and various research grants, and works with global health organizations and industrial partners to improve the accessibility and affordability of breakthrough active compounds.
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