It serves particularly in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and chemical industry as an important adjuvant – for example as an ointment base. Standard squalene source is fish oil, especially shark liver oil. Many shark species are threatened in their existence, however, that excludes a further exploitation.

Fish oils contain in addition to squalene other fat components as well as heavy metals and other toxins, so that the squalene must be purified before being used in a costly and environmentally harmful procedure. The Berlin Organobalance GmbH developed by means of biotechnology-modified yeast cells an alternative method of squalene production which protects both the shark populations and the environment.

Pure squalene in large quantities

Since squalene is a natural metabolic product of yeast, a yeast strain was constructed in which the cells »boost« and increase the squalene production. At the same time the synthesis of other cellular fat compounds have been successfully suppressed and a high degree of purity has been achieved.

The result: whereas »normal« yeast cells can hardly store squalene, contain the altered cells the compound in an amount of up to 11.2 percent of its dry weight – a real break for a further use. An analysis showed: the yeast squalene structure is in line with that from fish oil and can therefore replace the conventional squalene.

Project Operation:
ORGANOBALANCE GmbH
Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25
13355 Berlin
Telefon 030|46307-200
info@organobalance.com
www.organobalance.de

Ref. 13202