Ginkgo Bioworks and Novus team up on enzyme development
By focusing on more efficient, cost-effective enzyme production, the partnership seeks to bolster the well-being of chickens, pigs, and cows.
With the agricultural sector facing increased volatility due to rising feed costs and narrowing margins, the companies say this collaborative effort comes at an opportune time. Innovations in feed enzyme technology are expected to support producers by lowering costs while maintaining or even improving the nutritional quality of animal products, they add.
Combining strengths
The partnership leverages the expertise of both companies. Novus brings decades of experience in intelligent nutrition, animal digestion and feed formulation, while Ginkgo Bioworks, which is focused on synthetic biology, contributes its expertise in enzyme optimization and production systems, explains Dan Rosmarin, VP of commercial, Ginkgo Bioworks.
“Novus provides real-world feed materials for Ginkgo to use in screening enzymes, helping to ensure that lab developments translate into real benefits on the farm."
The initial focus of the collaboration is on developing next-generation enzymes, with improved efficacy. Protease enzymes, for instance, can increase the availability of amino acids in poultry and swine feed, while also mitigating the negative effects of anti-nutritional factors like trypsin inhibitors, which means reduced excess indigestible protein in the cecum that can lead to enteric challenges. “This ultimately supports gut health and overall performance,” says Gaurav Shah, associate director of external innovation and business development at Novus.
The goal is to give producers greater flexibility in diet formulation and higher profit margins.
“By improving feed digestibility, we’re supporting environmental sustainability, helping producers do more with fewer resources, and exploring the use of alternative raw materials that place less strain on the environment,” adds Shah.
From lab to farm
Ginkgo will focus on conducting extensive in-vitro testing to ensure the enzymes’ efficacy, while Novus will lead the in-vivo modelling, regulatory approvals, and field trials. With Novus’s recent acquisition of BioResource International (BRI), the company has also expanded its fermentation and formulation capabilities, which, it says, will support the objective of this alliance.
While the project is still in its early stages, both companies are optimistic about the long-term impact. According to Rosmarin, the partnership has already made significant strides, including identifying production systems for high-throughput screening. He says the partners are taking a broad approach to ensure they find the best possible enzyme and strain improvements early on.
Shah explains that this collaboration is part of a broader strategy for Novus, which plans to continue expanding its portfolio of functional proteins and bioactives. "Our long-term vision is to operate an open innovation platform, collaborating with partners like Ginkgo to deliver intelligent nutrition solutions."
As for how success will be gauged, Shah says it will be determined by delivering a product that is consistent, easy to use, and provides measurable value to producers.
