Clemson and Diversa join hands for development of enzymes to enhance human nutrition

03/06/05 Clemson University and Diversa Corporation have announced that they are collaborating to assess opportunities to leverage existing Diversa enzymes that have the potential to enhance human nutrition. The parties will initially focus on evaluating the ability of protein supplements to food to improve stamina and alertness and reduce fatigue.

Clemson scientists have ongoing programs to investigate diet and health, including the study of herbal remedies. Diversa is interested in improving the nutritional impact of food by using novel enzymes. Merging the benefits of diet with pharmaceuticals and modern genomic tools has created a rapidly growing global business area in nutrition. The Institute of Nutraceutical Research at Clemson is focused on deploying new technology to meet the needs of this new field. Diversa has developed a portfolio of commercialized enzyme products and an extensive pipeline of candidate enzymes and other proteins with industrial, chemical, agricultural, and pharmaceutical applications that have potential applications in diet and nutrition.

A key goal of Clemson's expanding biotechnology program is to enhance the economy of South Carolina by developing public-private research collaborations. SC Bio, under the direction of the Institute of Nutraceutical Research, supports development of private corporate research and funding relationships.

The mission of the Institute of Nutraceutical Research is to make Clemson University the national leader in nutritional research. Its goals are to help state industries develop greater confidence in product quality and effectiveness, enhance consumer demand for S.C. nutraceutical products, and develop economic opportunities for rural S.C. communities.