Vegan collagen: Evonik launches fermentation-based, animal-free biotech platform

17 Mar 2020 --- Germany-based Evonik has developed an advanced collagen platform produced via fermentation-based processes without any animal or human-derived ingredients. So far, the production of “vegan” collagen has been a challenge for the industry, but major players are making moves in the space. Evonik notes that the new, recombinant technology will provide the pharmaceutical, medical, cell culture and tissue engineering markets with a highly soluble, ultra-pure form of collagen that is safe, sustainable and commercially scalable.

“Evonik’s collagen is manufactured under precisely defined conditions. This process takes the genetic information of collagen, transfers this genetic information into the microorganism host and then utilizes bioreactors to manufacture the material via fermentation. This collagen material is then purified, together with other processing activities, to ensure it is suitable for use in pharmaceutical and other health care applications,” an Evonik spokesperson tells NutritionInsight.

“This is arguably our biggest innovation breakthrough in recent years: a fermentation-based collagen platform that can effectively substitute the use of animal-derived collagen in pharmaceutical, medical, and cell culture markets,” notes Dr. Thomas Riermeier, Senior Vice President and General Manager for the Health Care business line of Evonik. “We look forward to working with customers to develop the next-generation collagen products with an improved safety profile.” 

A biotech breakthrough
“Biotechnology is an important lever for growth and innovation within Evonik Nutrition & Care that leverages our core competencies across fermentation, biomaterials and product industrialization,” asserts Johann-Caspar Gammelin, Chairman of the Board of Management of Evonik Nutrition & Care.

The new collagen platform complements other recent fermentation-driven biotech breakthroughs by Evonik, including biosurfactants for household and cosmetic applications (rhamnolipids) and omega 3 fatty acids from natural marine algae for animal nutrition (Veramaris). Moreover, the collagen features a triple helix structure and other biological properties that mimic many of the attributes of natural collagen so it can reliably interact with cells and tissues and be readily absorbed or remodelled by the body.

“Collagen is one of the most commonly used biomaterials used across health care due to its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, broad application ranges, well-defined structure and how it interacts with cells and tissues. Like traditional collagen sources, our new platform is designed to be processed, in some cases utilizing additional cross-linking technologies, into a variety of forms such as lyophilized powders, liquid solutions, hydrogels, films or meshes and sponges for use across a wide variety of health care applications. The properties of our collagen will be highly tunable to match the property requirements of target applications,” the spokesperson says.

Evonik’s collagen has been designed to meet the application requirements of markets including orthopedic, cardiovascular, wound care, ocular, general surgical, dental and regenerative medicine products.For the time being the pharmaceutical and medical markets are the target but the spokesperson explains that as Evonik’s capacity increases or additional opportunities arise, the company may also evaluate the supply of its collagen for use in other complementary markets. 

“Our collagen has been designed to meet the application requirements of customers across these markets including orthopedic, cardiovascular, wound care, ocular, general surgical, dental and regenerative medicine products. Evonik’s priority is to enter into development and supply relationships with life science customers,” the spokesperson adds.

Making vegan collagen a reality
Animal-sourced collagen, currently the main source of collagen for use in life sciences, can be associated with batch-to-batch variability, potential transmission of diseases or pathogens, adverse immunogenic or allergic reactions, and non-sustainable sourcing methods. In addition to being sustainable and suitable for vegan use, Evonik’s process delivers an ultra-high level of purity that is easily reproducible at any commercial scale, the company affirms. 

“The overwhelming majority of medical and pharmaceutical grade-collagen is derived from animal-based sources such as the skin or tendons of cows. Some collagen is also extracted from marine sources such as fish, jellyfish or sponges however some of its properties make it less attractive for use with healthcare applications. Our collagen is completely devoid of animal-derived materials. We are confident that it will be attractive for use by vegetarians, vegans and other religious or societal groups with beliefs that relate to the consumption or use of animal-derived products,” the Evonik spokesperson notes.

Evonik will utilize its established fermentation process technologies and global manufacturing network to commercialize the collagen platform for worldwide use. The company’s application, formulation and manufacturing competencies will also be used to help customers develop and commercialize their own biofabricated products. 

The new collagen platform will also support Evonik’s Tissue Engineering Project House, which was launched in Singapore in 2018 by the company’s strategic innovation unit Creavis, to develop advanced biomaterial solutions in regenerative medicine.

“We expect initial revenue from our collagen platform will come under development programs with customers. Under these programs, Evonik will conduct a range of services to tailor collagen from its platform to meet the specific requirements of the target application. Production capacities are expected to progressively increase as these programs for target customer applications advance into clinical trials and products are approved for human use. Evonik will continue to evaluate new application opportunities in line with areas of customer interest,” the spokesperson concludes.

Several companies have also ventured into the manufacture of vegan collagen. Most recently, biodesign company Geltor announced it was set to launch its first ingestible product this year in collaboration with Gelita. This ingredient requires a new range of tests separate from Geltor’s personal care offerings, in addition to creating a new regulatory landscape to navigate.

By Kristiana Lalou