Tate & Lyle partners with enzyme technology start-up Zymtronix

Tate & Lyle has invested in Zymtronix’s enzyme immobilisation platform, enabling the US-based start-up to scale up its production.

Zymtronix is a biotech company formed in 2013 as a spin-off out of Cornell University. Its enzyme immobilisation platform helps to transform ingredient manufacturing by improving the productivity of biocatalysis.

According to the company, this is achieved through the immobilisation of enzymes onto magnetic metamaterials to increase the efficiency and sustainability of enzyme-based industrial processes.

Zymtronix is initially working with Tate & Lyle to improve the use of enzymes in the production of certain ingredients and improve cost efficiency. 

As part of the partnership, former Tate & Lyle chief technology officer Michael Harrison will join the Zymtronix board.

“We are delighted to announce Tate & Lyle as our first corporate partner. Their investment will enable us to further scale up our enzyme immobilisation technology, advance our processes, develop our own target ingredients, and grow our team,” said Stéphane Corgié, founder and CEO-CTO, Zymtronix. 

Andrew Taylor, president of innovation and commercial development, Tate & Lyle, added: “Consumers worldwide are looking for healthier food and drink, and we are proud to have the ingredients to help deliver just that. Improving lives for generations is at the heart of what we do, so we are excited to harness the power of Zymtronix’s enzyme immobilisation platform, which will make our manufacturing processes more efficient.

“The platform also has the potential to accelerate our ability to make our ingredient solutions accessible to more consumers.”