Ergo Bioscience

Ergo Bioscience is a biotechnology company that uses precision fermentation techniques to produce complex animal proteins. Its core “EUKARYA” technology platform involves using plant cells to express and manufacture proteins found in animal-derived foods. Ergo Bioscience's product portfolio consists of myoglobin, alpha S1 casein, and kappa casein. The company claims it can use precision fermentation to reproduce these compounds accurately to their naturally occurring counterparts.

Myoglobin is the heme protein responsible for the distinct color, flavor, and aroma of beef. This enables the development of plant-based meat products with a more natural red color, "bleeding" experience during cooking. Alpha S1 and kappa casein are vital for micelle formation and replicating the melting, stretching, flavor, and aroma properties of dairy products, enabling the creation of plant-based cheese and dairy products with improved sensory qualities.

Ergo Bioscience's EUKARYA R&D process involves identifying target proteins through proteomic analysis, developing plant cell lines capable of expressing these proteins with high yields and desired structures, optimizing fermentation processes, and formulating application protocols for plant-based food prototypes. The company claims its proteins involve 97% less GHG emissions, 99% less blue water consumption, and 60% less nonrenewable energy use compared with animal-based proteins.

The company had not commercialized its product as of July 2024.

Key customers and partnerships

In November 2022, the company announced a partnership with Italy's Aethera Biotech to scale up its precision fermentation bioprocesses using Aethera's industrial plant cell culturing platform, CROP.