In the swiftly evolving landscape of precision fermentation, one UK-based food tech start-up is making waves with a strategic pivot that could revolutionize the dairy industry and redefine infant nutrition. Better Dairy, known for their focus on animal-free casein production, is now turning its R&D prowess towards the development of osteopontin – a protein believed to play a foundational role in infant growth and immunity.
The move represents a significant departure from the industry norm, where the focus has traditionally been on key whey proteins such as casein or lactoferrin. While these proteins are undeniably crucial to dairy production, osteopontin is poised to become the new high-value target for the industry, with Better Dairy leading the charge.
One of the core reasons behind this shift is the higher value osteopontin offers compared to casein. Economies of scale for casein are still not easily achievable and this has prompted the decision to focus on osteopontin, which allows for quicker monetization of high-value targets. The strategic shift is not just about better business economics, but it also aims to enhance commercial viability and efficiency in dairy production.
Osteopontin, naturally found in breast milk, is believed to play a major role in the early stages of infant growth and immune system development. Preliminary research proposes that the protein enhances calcium absorption, boosts gut health by improving nutrient absorption and efficiency in the intestine, and stimulates immune cells. Furthermore, osteopontin is highly expressed in the brain during infancy, leading scientists to theorize its importance in normal brain development.
While osteopontin is present in bovine milk, the concentration is significantly lower than in human breast milk. The stark discrepancy between the levels of osteopontin in cow’s milk-based infant formulas and breast milk is noteworthy. In fact, breast milk can contain up to 15 times as much osteopontin, marking a clear divergence that Better Dairy aims to bridge.
Trishala Bopanna, director of strategy and partnerships at Better Dairy, highlights this potential, stating, “We think it presents an exciting opportunity to reduce some of the discrepancies in development between breast-fed and bottle-fed infants.”
This strategic shift from Better Dairy signals a broader trend towards product diversification and value optimization in the biotech industry. As precision fermentation continues to evolve, one can expect more innovative approaches like this, that not only enhance commercial viability but also improve the quality and nutritional value of the end product. The intriguing potential of osteopontin may just be the tip of the iceberg in this exciting new era of dairy production.
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