Fermelanta, Inc.
Applied Research on Microbial Fermentative Production of Valuable Compounds through Multi-Step Metabolic Pathways

Program name

Deep-Tech Startups Support Program

Research theme

Applied Research on Microbial Fermentative Production of Valuable Compounds through Multi-Step Metabolic Pathways

Business Plan

Natural compounds with complex chemical structures often contain components beneficial to human health; however, their total chemical synthesis is difficult, and no efficient or cost-effective method for large-scale production currently exists.

By overcoming the technical challenges of introducing multiple heterologous genes into microorganisms, functionally expressing enzymes, and systematically controlling them as an integrated biological system, this research aims to establish multi-step biosynthetic pathways based on continuous enzymatic reactions. Through this approach, we seek to develop foundational technologies for constructing industrial microbial strains capable of producing target compounds with high efficiency, and to realize their social implementation.

Research Outline

This research and development project aims to establish a fermentation technology using genetically engineered E. coli strains with newly introduced metabolic pathways, enabling the production of plant-derived compounds independent of climate and geographic conditions.

Furthermore, by achieving the following Proofs of Concept (PoC), the project seeks to solve key industrial challenges related to the stable supply and cost reduction of rare plant-derived compounds:

1. Practical development of thebaine and cannabinoids
2. Development of platform microbial strains with common metabolic pathways applicable to diverse intermediate compounds
3. Construction of foundational technologies and general-purpose tools to support the development of customized microbial strains

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