Sustainable biosynthesis of cocoa butter equivalent using oleaginous yeasts
A sustainable solution for cocoa butter production using oleaginous yeasts to generate lipids with similar properties to cocoa butter. This approach reduces reliance on tropical fats and offers applications in chocolate, confectionery, and baked goods.
Overview
The University of Melbourne presents a cutting-edge solution for producing cocoa butter equivalent (CBE) through the biosynthesis of oleaginous yeasts. This sustainable approach leverages the rapid growth and high lipid content of these yeasts, combined with advanced fermentation processes, to produce lipids mirroring the physicochemical properties of traditional cocoa butter. This method offers a viable alternative to conventional tropical fat sources, reducing environmental impact while maintaining the quality needed for chocolate, confectionery, and baked goods applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Utilizes oleaginous yeasts to produce lipids with triacylglycerols compositions (POP, POS, SOS) similar to cocoa butter
- Advanced fermentation management to enhance yeast growth and lipid yield
- Combination of fermentation with fractionation and blending processes to tailor CBE for specific applications
- Optimized fractionation processes for plant oils such as palm and mahua
- Future plans include large-scale fermentation, fractionation, and application testing in Year 3
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 5, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory environment. The next steps involve scaling up the fermentation process to a 10L pilot scale, optimizing nutrient feeds, and conducting further testing and application validation over the next three years.
About The University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a comprehensive institution spanning STEM, health and clinical practice, business and law, and the creative and social disciplines. Co‑located hospital and research precincts, together with an inner‑city innovation ecosystem, place companies, startups, and researchers in shared labs, prototyping spaces, and studios. Engineering and technology programs connect with advanced manufacturing facilities, while structured industry projects and placements link partners with talent and translational problem‑solving. Work is supported by competitive funding from the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council, with additional backing from state programs and industry partners; a dedicated technology transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation.
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