Harnessing precision fermentation: Helaina boosts immunity with breast milk protein

09 May 2023 --- Biotech company Helaina is expanding to functional foods with the commercialization of its bioactive protein Lactoferrin. The company aims to meet consumer demand for immune support in addition to its infant formula based on the protein found in breast milk.

“Helaina is now producing Lactoferrin at scale, but that’s just the beginning. We’re working to change the landscape of functional foods one immune-boosting protein at a time, ” Laura Katz, the company’s founder and CEO, tells NutritionInsight. 

“Our precision fermentation platform can make all bioactive proteins to support immune health and is a gateway to a new and reliable source of high-value ingredients. We’re now primed to move from R&D toward commercialization.”

The breast milk protein Lactoferrin is known for “improved nutrient absorption, cognitive support and antimicrobial defense,” another company spokesperson tells us. 

“We are building the future of nutrition with a focus on immune-nourishing ingredients that are planet-positive and not derived from animals, like bovine Lactoferrin.”

Breast milk protein potential 
Helaina notes the commercialization of its bioactive protein, Lactoferrin, brings the company one step closer to helping solve supply issues for infant formula in the US. Last month, Helaina produced over 75,000 servings of the compound.  

The bioactive protein Lactoferrin is known for its improved nutrient absorption, cognitive support and antimicrobial defense.“This is the first of many bioactive proteins Helaina will biomanufacture through its precision fermentation platform.” 

“Helaina is working to meet booming consumer demand for food with immunity power for all ages. We will bring the immunity support of breast milk proteins, a nutritional powerhouse, to food for all stages of life in the form of functional foods from nutritional bars to supplements to our enhanced infant formula.”

The company focuses its precision fermentation technology on advancing in the stagnant infant formula category. 

The COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for immune health products and experts expect it to remain relevant in the coming years. 

Production process 
Helaina’s platform for biomanufacturing can also be used for other bioactive proteins, explains the company’s spokesperson. 

“Helaina engineers yeast to produce proteins that offer the closest nutritional properties to breast milk proteins.” 

“In the same way that fermenting yeast yields alcohol when fed sugar, Helaina’s strain of yeast and feeding process produces key proteins found in breast milk. By replicating these human proteins, Helaina can create a range of food products that boost immunity.”

The use of precision fermentation technology is gaining speed in new applications for the sustainable production of traditionally animal-based foods. 

By Jolanda van Hal