Novel sweet proteins with high stability via recombinant expression
BASF offers proprietary protein engineering capabilities to develop novel or optimized sweet proteins with enhanced thermostability and pH stability for beverage applications. Leveraging computational design, high-throughput screening, and recombinant expression expertise, BASF can deliver ready-to-formulate protein ingredients or a complete bioprocess package for in-house production.
Overview
BASF proposes a collaboration to develop next-generation sweet proteins tailored for beverage applications. The offering combines proprietary computational protein design with high-throughput screening (HTS) and recombinant expression technologies to either optimize existing sweet proteins or create entirely new protein backbones. The goal is to deliver a protein ingredient with superior thermostability (exceeding 100°C) and gastric/pH stability (below pH 2), suitable for demanding beverage formulations. BASF brings decades of experience evolving enzymes for food, animal feed, and industrial applications, along with glycosylation capabilities that further enhance protein stability.
Technical specifications
Key capabilities:
- Computational protein design to create novel sweet protein backbones with secured intellectual property
- Protein evolution and high-throughput screening to optimize thermostability and pH stability
- Recombinant expression across multiple host systems, including glycosylation-competent hosts for additional stability enhancement
- Established track record producing proteins at ton scale
- Formulation expertise delivering concentrates in liquid or dry form
- Scalable bioprocess development with a global network of biotech production sites
Engagement approach:
- Initial phase (4–12 months): characterization of existing sweet proteins, target definition, computational optimization, and validation
- Subsequent phase: either BASF-led ingredient production and formulation, or transfer of a complete bioprocess package for in-house manufacturing
Technology readiness level
BASF's protein engineering platform has been validated across multiple industries, with demonstrated success evolving enzymes that achieve thermostability above 100°C and gastric stability below pH 2. Production capabilities have been proven at ton scale through established biotech manufacturing infrastructure. The sweet protein application represents an adaptation of these proven technologies to a new product category, with initial characterization and optimization representing the first collaborative milestone toward a market-ready ingredient.
About BASF
As a global chemical company, we operate in diverse markets with varying requirements. To ensure responsible conduct and maintain our license to operate, we are guided by our core values and standards. These values shape our daily actions and foster respectful relationships with colleagues, customers, and partners.
Our teams are committed to putting health and safety first, making sustainability a part of every decision, and meeting strict compliance and environmental standards. We embrace diversity—in people, perspectives, and experiences—and promote open feedback grounded in honesty, respect, and trust. We see setbacks as opportunities to learn and improve.
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