Microorganisms are an important starting point for Novozymes’ biological solutions. Put simply, they are our raw material, while genetic engineering is an important technique behind our product and production development. As the use of microorganisms can pose a risk, safety is a priority whenever they are used at Novozymes.
Genetically modified microorganisms
Say the word ‘bacteria’ and most people think of disease. Some bacteria and fungi are indeed hazardous and can cause serious diseases, but it depends on the type of organism. Most bacteria and fungi are harmless in their natural state.
Novozymes’ business is providing biological solutions for industry. Among the most important elements of Novozymes’ biotechnology are microorganisms and gene technology.
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Our microorganisms are bacteria and fungi. We differentiate between those found everywhere in nature, known as wild-type strains, and those used in our production, known as production strains.
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Gene technology is a method that enables our researchers and laboratory technicians to transfer genes or characteristics from wild-type strains to production strains.
Production itself takes place in fermentation tanks, so-called contained use. The production strains make the desired enzymes, which are then recovered and formulated for use.
Over the years Novozymes has used a relatively small number of different microorganisms as production strains. These are all well-known and of types generally considered safe.
One example is the fungus Aspergillus oryzae, which has been used in food manufacture for many years. Some 20 years ago this became the first genetically modified microorganism to be used in our production of enzymes. We have made extensive use of Aspergillus oryzae ever since.
Pathogenic microorganisms
A small number of Novozymes’ products are made with the help of potentially pathogenic bacteria, which are not genetically modified.
We are keenly aware that these microorganisms pose a risk and have therefore introduced special rules for risk assessment, handling and production. For example, production must be physically contained, and employees involved in production must be specially trained.
Potentially pathogenic microorganisms are only used where there is no alternative, and never for enzyme production.
Production of microorganisms
In recent years Novozymes has built up a new business area for the production and sale of live microorganisms. These microorganisms are not genetically modified or pathogenic. These are microorganisms – wild-type strains – with valuable characteristics that can be used in areas such as wastewater treatment and cleaning agents for both institutional and household use.
