Ingredients produced via biotech pathways provide great promise, but the technological challenges are signifi cant, noted Thomas Plocek (Aroma Chemical Services International Inc.) in a recent interview with P&F magazine. Plocek will present “Biotechnology and the Changing Role of the Sales Agent in the Fragrance and Flavor Industry” as part of the annual meeting of the International Federation of Essential Oils and Aroma Trades, taking place November 4–8 at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore (www.ifeat.org).
P&F: Many naturally occurring materials can be produced via biotech processes; however, not all processes are easily achieved. Given this, is there “low-hanging fruit” in the F&F ingredient universe?
Plocek: I do not believe there is “low-hanging fruit” ripe for the taking with new biotechnology or synthetic biology techniques. All biological approaches are diffi cult to very diffi cult and while many methods have become much less expensive they remain highly complex. Understanding and modifying life is exceptionally complex and inexact.
