Singapore and US-based biotech company TurtleTree is set to produce the “world’s first” environmentally sustainable bovine lactoferrin, using precision fermentation technology. The launch for LF+ is slated for 2023, eyeing opportunities across immunity, gut health and infant nutrition.

After 18 months of R&D and recently receiving US$30 million in series A funding, TurtleTree now plans to look for commercial partners to help bring the product to market. The company also plans to introduce cell and fermentation produced human milk oligosaccharides (HMO), an increasingly desired ingredient in infant formula and gut health.

“The (environmentally) sustainable production of lactoferrin through precision fermentation is a perfect fit for our mission of nourishing both the planet and its people,” says Fengru Lin, CEO of TurtleTree. “To be able to produce this remarkable ingredient at commercial scale – in a way that’s both environmentally and economically viable over the long-term – is an absolute game-changer.”

“It means new possibilities for adult nutrition, athletic supplementation, and mothers who want the best nutrition for their families. The possibilities are endless.”

Having an impactLactoferrin has been shown to improve gut health and immunity is a key ingredient in human breast milk.
The company notes that a 2022 study out of Poland revealed that lactoferrin could help repair DNA and may aid in the regulation of iron absorption, immune responses and cellular activities. Moreover, its solubility means that it may work well in a variety of functional foods including cheeses, yogurts, powders and drink mixes.

Furthermore, lactoferrin is the most abundant bioactive protein in milk and is part of the immunity passed to infants through mother’s milk. Studies show that it may help to fight bacteriological and viral infections.

“Lactoferrin is one of the key ingredients that gives human milk its uniquely beneficial properties. From immune support to gut health, lactoferrin has been shown to provide an extensive list of health-related benefits,” says Aletta Schnitzler, chief scientific officer at TurtleTree. A recent study revealed that HMOs and bioactives like lactoferrin and their effects on the gut microbiome may unlock the cures to illnesses such as diabetes, Chron’s disease and dysbiosis disorders.

“Looking at recent events like the infant formula shortage in the US and the disruptions in food supply arising from COVID-19, we felt that we could no longer sit on the sidelines,” explains Max Rye, chief strategist at TurtleTree.

The US’ shortage started with supply chain issues due to the pandemic but the problem was exacerbated by the double closing of the Abbott’s Sturgis plant in Minnesota following possible adulteration of Cronobacter sakazakii and Salmonella and flooding earlier this year.

“With LF+, we see a way to contribute toward better nutrition in the here and now while our longer-term dairy projects remain in the pipeline.”Lactoferrin and HMOs may hold the keys to finding cures for a number of gut microbiome-related diseases.

Focus on fermentation
The company hails its precision fermentation process as the key to both production and environmental sustainability. According to TurtleTree, the process utilizes microbial hosts that allow for a greater volume and more efficiency when producing at a commercial scale than prior traditional methods.

Schnitzler further states that in order to expedite its efforts to pioneer the use of fermentation and LF+’s introduction into functional foods, it has assembled “some of the foremost minds in precision fermentation including, Dr. Amanda Fischer, our Director of Precision Fermentation, and Jung Yi, our Director of Process Engineering and Automation.”

“To be able to bring these benefits to the public in a meaningful way, we need to be able to produce lactoferrin both sustainably and at commercial volume,” Schnitzler concludes.