Oxford Chemicals Ltd. (OCL) has launched a three-year research and development project to produce natural high impact aroma chemicals compliant with EU legislation. The project will be carried out in collaboration with Durham University and Novacta Biosystems Ltd. The objective is to establish a new industrial bio-processing facility based on the use of novel biocatalytic routes to the production of validated natural flavor and fragrance high impact aroma chemicals from renewable and readily available resources.
The collaboration draws upon the expertise of Durham University in the development and application of plant and microbial technology and to expanding and developing the portfolio of sulfur chemistry techniques undertaken by OCL to produce natural and nature identical high impact aroma chemicals. Novacta Biosystems will provide expertise in the process development of the technology.
The project provides a platform to develop other chemistries and biocatalytic techniques that will be applicable to F&F customers and other fine chemical applications, ranging from agrochemicals to pharmaceutical and neutraceutical.
Of the collaboration, OCL managing director Anthony Weston said, “These are exciting times for everyone involved with this project. For the first time this will give flavorists access to a whole new world of natural high impact aroma chemicals, which previously have not been available. Materials such as natural pyrazines and natural sulfur molecules are difficult materials to produce using current techniques, as chemical methods are limited by legislation, or raw materials difficult and expensive to source. This new work means we can provide the flavorist with a consistent quality and supply.”
