Global biotech company Triplebar has extended its strategic partnership with FrieslandCampina Ingredients, announcing a “breakthrough” in lactoferrin production.

Through the partnership, which was first announced in January last year, the companies harness precision fermentation technology to enhance supply capacities of lactoferrin, to meet the increasing global demand. Lactoferrin is typically used for premium infant formulas for gut maturation and immunity because of its antimicrobial effects.

Triplebar CEO Maria Cho said: “This is big news in the alternative protein space as we begin to create bioactive proteins that support and enhance human health and nutrition. Our partnership with FrieslandCampina Ingredients, a global leader in lactoferrin supply, will enable us to bring more of this incredibly valuable protein to market than ever.”

Cho continued: “The challenge has been the protein’s availability. It is typically isolated from dairy, limiting its broader application and incorporation beyond early-life nutrition. Lactoferrin’s benefits extend beyond infants, serving as a valuable supplement for adults.”

Through precision fermentation the companies employ microorganisms to produce specific functional ingredients, producing ingredients with properties similar to those found in bovine and human milk.

Anne Peter Lindeboom, managing director of innovation at FrieslandCampina Ingredients, added: “FrieslandCampina Ingredients and Triplebar will accelerate the use of precision fermentation as a nutritious and sustainable source of protein. By offering a full range of dairy and alternative proteins, we aim to give people access to nutritional solutions, helping them get the most out of life, now and for future generations."

Cho concluded: “We must continue leveraging science and technology to nourish future generations in balance with nature. This multi-year, multi-product and multi-country agreement with FrieslandCampina Ingredients will help make this ambition a reality.”

In November, Triplebar announced it had received $20m in new funding for its product portfolio.