Flavour and fragrance group Symrise has joined the Industrieverbund Midrobielle Genomforschung, an association formed late last year to pursue microbial genome research as a technology for industrial purposes.
“As one of the world's leading suppliers of aroma chemicals, cosmetic raw materials and active substances for the perfumery, cosmetics and food industries, Symrise wants to work with the potential that microbial genome research offers,” says the company. It is hoped that this will allow the corporation to focus on developing new innovative cosmetic products and active substances.
“Symrise's work in cosmetic active substances will gain a great deal from being a member of the association,” says Symrise. “It will be able to increase its use of molecular biology to assess specific effects that are relevant in cosmetic products. These research results benefit the consumer directly by offering innovative products with new or improved cosmetic effects. More efficient use of microorganisms in technical processes makes it possible to develop products that can reach the market more quickly.”
Microbial genome research is considered an indispensable contribution to protecting the environment and the climate. Dr Horst Surburg, senior vp gobal scent & care innovations at Symrise, explains: "With global warming and the limited supply of fossil fuels, the field of 'white biotechnology', which is based on microbial genome research, provides an opportunity to replace classic chemical procedures with new ones that feature enzymatic or microbial processes, most of which work with sustainable resources.“
Other contributing members of the association include BASF, Bayer Crop Science, BRAIN, Degussa, Henkel, Milupa, Schering, Südzucker, Wacker and many other small- and mid-sized businesses.