SynBio startup Enzymit announces breakthrough in cell-free hyaluronic acid production

Enzymit, a specialty biochemical company developing cell-free enzymatic manufacturing technology, announced its success in synthetically producing hyaluronic acid (HA) for use in a range of cosmetic, aesthetic, and therapeutic applications. Enzymit's cell-free manufacturing process reduces much of the complexity, time and costs traditionally associated with HA production.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring biopolymer found in the skin, joints, and connective and neural tissue. It is widely recognized for its cosmetic applications in skincare products, as well as its therapeutic benefits, which include aiding in ocular health, wound healing and rheumatology. Leveraging its expertise in computational enzyme design and carbohydrate synthesis, Enzymit achieved enzymatic bioproduction of hyaluronic acid, with tailored molecular weights ranging from low to high weight, for a wide range of applications.

Gideon Lapidoth, CEO, Enzymit: "Our success in synthesizing hyaluronic acid demonstrates the viability of novel enzyme design to drive cell-free bioproduction of specialty chemicals, replacing outdated and unsustainable production methods. Our cell-free approach to manufacturing hyaluronic acid removes the need for complex downstream processing and significantly reduces overall costs, while enabling easier and more efficient production at scale."

Traditional hyaluronic acid production utilizing animal tissue entails considerable safety, consistency and ethical concerns, while fermentation-based methods still involve complicated purification processes and high production costs. Enzymit's cell-free process offers an efficient and cost-effective alternative. Focusing on just the individual protein catalysts necessary for hyaluronic acid synthesis, rather whole cells, results in higher purity and greater production yields at competitive prices.

Markus Klinger, VP of Business Development, Enzymit: "We are already receiving considerable interest from manufacturers looking to incorporate our hyaluronic acid variants into skincare products at price points that are more accessible to mainstream consumers. We are encouraged by the initial positive reception and are continually optimizing our processes while forming strategic partnerships to bring introduce our products to new industries." 

Enzymit is working to increase its production capacity and to develop the next generation of hyaluronic acid enzymes that can utilize even more affordable feedstocks.

www.enzymit.com