Canadian start-up Aplantex Bio has signed a partnership with Symrise to develop and produce hard-to-source plant-based molecules.
Aplantex has developped a green biotechnology process based on the continuous production, in a controlled environment, of plant biomass from proprietary photosynthetic plant replicators. This abundant biomass is then dried to extract the specific molecules sought by the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
“We are intrigued by the potential of Aplantex’s innovative green biotechnology process to help us in securing potential access to hard-to-source plant-based molecules in the context of the significant impacts of climate change," said Dr. Jakob Ley, director of Biobased Ingredients Research at Symrise.
Since 2024, Aplantex has been working on the first molecule of interest for Symrise. Building on its success producing apigenin, orientin, vitexin, and luteolin—molecules known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties—the company said it has rapidly achieved several milestones in Symrise’s validation protocol.
"We are excited by this significant commercial opportunity, confident about our ability to meet Symrise’s remaining milestones promptly, and aim to provide Symrise with additional hard-to-source molecules in the near future," concludes Mr. Patrick Charest, B. Sc., P.Eng., mMBA, and CEO of Aplantex.
