Checkerspot, a biotechnology firm focused on renewable oils and fats, has entered into a partnership with Huvepharma, a global leader in fermentation technology, to scale production of a novel nutritional oil derived from microalgae. This high sn-2 palmitate algal oil is designed as a direct alternative to palm oil, particularly for use in infant formula, where it mimics the triglyceride structures found in human milk fat.
“This is a key milestone in redefining how high-performance fats and oils for nutrition are sourced and produced”
The collaboration follows successful pilot tests and now moves to industrial-scale production at Huvepharma’s global fermentation facilities. The companies claim that the oil offers improved nutrient absorption and digestive comfort for infants while bypassing the need for palm oil, which has raised environmental concerns in recent years.
“This partnership combines Checkerspot’s expertise in molecular and strain engineering with Huvepharma’s capabilities in fermentation and large-scale manufacturing. Together, we can reliably and competitively deliver this innovation to the infant nutrition industry,” said Kiril Domuschiev, President and CEO of Huvepharma.
Fermentation for consistency and safety
The new algal oil is produced through the fermentation of simple sugars by microalgae, offering a cleaner and more sustainable process compared to palm-derived oils. Unlike palm oil, which may require enzymatic modification, this algal oil is made without the need for processing steps that could introduce contaminants, ensuring a high level of consistency and safety in the final product.
The development of this algal oil is expected to address both the growing demand for sustainable ingredients in infant nutrition and the increasing need for cleaner, more consistent oil sources. By eliminating palm oil’s environmental and supply chain challenges, this partnership aims to offer a solution that aligns with both industry sustainability objectives and the nutritional needs of infants.
John Krzywicki, CEO of Checkerspot, stated, “Partnering with Huvepharma allows us to bring high sn-2 palmitate algal oil to industrial scale and make it accessible to infant formula brands worldwide. This is a key milestone in redefining how high-performance fats and oils for nutrition are sourced and produced.”
