Reprogramming yeast metabolism for customized starch-rich micro-grain through low-carbon microbial manufacturing.
Research shows promising results in microbial starch synthesis using CO2-derived acetate as feedstock.
Researchers at a prominent laboratory have reconfigured a type of yeast into a highly efficient starch-producing micro-grain, utilizing carbon dioxide as a substrate. This innovative approach to starch synthesis demonstrates a spatial-temporal starch productivity of 243.7 g/m²/d, which is approximately 50 times greater than traditional crop cultivation methods.
Starch is fundamental for meeting global food and industrial demands, with over 120 million tons required annually—a figure anticipated to rise due to population growth and increasing consumption patterns. Traditional starch production heavily relies on arable land, which is becoming increasingly scarce due to ongoing environmental crises.
The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, indicates that the engineered yeast can achieve a starch content of 47.18% of its dry cell weight, positioning it as a promising alternative to conventional starch sources. By utilizing acetate synthesized from CO2 through electrochemical processes, the yeast yields 160.83 mg/L/h, significantly outperforming existing microbial fermentation systems.
The engineered strains adapt their cellular machinery and growth strategies to optimize starch production. Through genetic modifications, scientists enhanced starch biosynthesis pathways and regulated cell morphology, thus increasing the yeast’s ability to accumulate starch and improve yields.
Notably, the research outlines methods for customizing starch composition and starch-protein ratios, offering a new variable that could enhance nutritional applications. The findings demonstrate the yeast’s potential to efficiently convert agricultural waste into starch, underscoring a sustainable approach to food manufacturing that is less dependent on traditional farming.
In a bid to broaden the scope of starch production, researchers experimented with converting straw bio-waste into profitable micro-grain. In preliminary studies, they demonstrated successful starch synthesis from hydrolyzed straw along with acetate, indicating a carbon-to-starch yield enhancement by up to 2.8 times when both substrates are used in tandem.
The study signifies a substantial step toward addressing global starch demands through innovative low-carbon technological solutions, potentially transforming food resource allocation in the face of a changing climate. The research team opines that while this process carries immense promise, encompassing advancements and further research will be essential to overcome current cost and scalability challenges.
Cargill inaugurates new corn milling plant to meet growing demand for safe and high-quality food solutions.
Catering to the growing demand from India’s confectionery, infant formula, and dairy sectors, Cargill inaugurated a new corn milling plant in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh set up by Saatvik Agro Processors, an Indian manufacturer.
With a combined market value of $15 billion, these sectors are witnessing high annual compounded growth rates of between 6 and 11% over next five years1, leading to increased demand for starch derivatives which are used as thickening or stabilizing agents to achieve desired texture, viscosity and mouthfeel in consumer products like gummies, jellies, fillings, yogurt, cheese, processed milk and infant formula.
Cargill has a business arrangement with Saatvik who has established this dedicated production facility for starch derivatives with an initial output capacity of 500 tons per day, which can be expanded to 1,000 tons per day. This facility combines Cargill’s global product capabilities, customer network and market access opportunities with local manufacturing capabilities and operational know-how of the Indian partner to bring a consistent supply of safe, high-quality solutions to Cargill’s food manufacturing customers in India.
The plant will operate on an exclusive arrangement for Cargill, adhering to the company’s stringent global food safety and quality standards while also driving innovation, and process efficiencies for the industry. This further increases Cargill’s production capacity in India while creating supply chain efficiencies that food manufacturers rely on to meet growing consumer demand. The expansion will also enable Cargill to serve customers across North, Central, and Western India more effectively, reducing dependence on supply from the South, optimizing both costs and logistics.
Cargill Gwalior Plant
While the facility will cater primarily to domestic demand, in future Cargill will also evaluate export opportunities to expand its market reach through this plant.
The plant was inaugurated by John Fering, Group President, Food APAC, Cargill and Simon George, President Cargill India and Managing Director Food South Asia.
Commenting on the launch, Simon George said, “This Gwalior plant allows us to strengthen our manufacturing network in India to serve customers from North and West India more competitively while enhancing supply chain efficiencies that benefit the entire food ecosystem. By increasing our access to local manufacturing capabilities, we are reducing supply timelines, increasing cost-effectiveness, and ensuring a more stable supply of essential food solutions that food manufacturers need to meet evolving consumer preferences.”
Furthermore, “this step reflects our commitment to fostering industry growth by integrating our global expertise with India’s strong manufacturing capabilities, supporting the growth of Indian entrepreneurs, ultimately creating more value for customers and consumers alike”, he added.
This initiative reflects Cargill’s ongoing commitment to be a go-to partner for innovation and growth for its customers – from food manufacturing, foodservice to retail – supporting them with essential and high-quality food ingredients and solutions, and thereby contribute to India’s growing food and beverage industry. The initiative also aligns with the ‘Make in India’ vision, fostering long-term, sustainable growth for both businesses and consumers.
Matco Foods signs financing agreement with Bank Alfalah for corn wet milling extension.
Matco Foods Limited has entered into a Rs750 million three-year financing agreement with Bank Alfalah to enhance its corn starch production capabilities, a statement said on Saturday.
The investment will be directed towards expanding Matco Foods’ existing corn starch facility located in the Allama Iqbal Industrial City, Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Faisalabad. This facility, operational since August 2022, has been pivotal in supplying high-quality corn starch to both domestic and international markets. The funds will expand production capacity from 200 tons per day (tpd) to 300 tpd grind. A a portion of the financing will be used to repay short-term loans. As part of the agreement, Bank Alfalah will have the option to convert its financing into ordinary shares in Matco’s new subsidiary, subject to regulatory approvals.
Khalid Ghori, CEO of Matco Foods, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration: “At Matco Foods, we are committed to investing in the growth of our corn starch segment to serve our diversified customer base better. Our facility’s location within the Special Economic Zone has been instrumental in our success, and we extend our thanks to FIEDMC, the Board of Investment, SIFC, and other government stakeholders for their unwavering support and visionary leadership.’
Group Head Corporate, Investment Banking and International Business at Bank Alfalah Limited Farooq Ahmed Khan shared his perspective on the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with Matco Foods in their growth journey, providing customised financial solutions that align with their expansion plans. This collaboration reinforces Bank Alfalah’s commitment to driving strategic investments in Pakistan’s agribusiness sector, strengthening the agricultural value chain, and fostering sustainable economic progress.”
US group Ingredion teams up with Austrian Agrana to boost starch production in Romania.
The American group Ingredion, the world’s largest corn processor, producer of starch, glucose, syrups, dextrose, and other food additives, has signed an agreement with the Austrian company Agrana, the largest sugar producer in Romania, to produce starch in Țăndărei (Ialomița County).
“We want to boost our growth in Europe by entering into a partnership, and we believe that Ingredion is the ideal partner for this. The collaboration combines our different expertise in starch production,” said Stephan Büttner, CEO of Agrana Beteiligungs-AG, according to Ziarul Financiar.
This strategic alliance will not only strengthen Agrana’s production capabilities in Romania but will also expand Ingredion’s footprint in the European market.
Ingredion will purchase a 49% stake in the company AGFD Țăndărei from Agrana, with the two parties working together in a joint venture aimed at increasing starch production in Romania.
Taken over by Agrana in 2001 and upgraded in 2002, AGFD Țăndărei produces native and modified starch, glucose and maltose syrups, germ, gluten, and corn bran. Its annual processing capacity is 36,000 tonnes of corn. Its turnover was RON 193 million (EUR 40 million) in 2023.
Ingredion to invest in Cedar Rapids (IA) and Indianapolis (IN) starch facilities.
Ingredion invests $100 million in Indianapolis plant to improve efficiency and enable future texture solutions growth.
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, announced investments of more than $100 million to increase efficiency, modernize equipment and also install an energy cogeneration system at its Indianapolis facility.
This project will expand Ingredion’s capabilities for delivering texture innovations to growing end markets while bolstering the economic viability and sustainability of the Indianapolis plant. Furthermore, by upgrading its energy infrastructure, Ingredion will improve operational efficiency and reliability while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“As Ingredion has driven volume growth for texture solutions over the past several quarters, these investments will expand our capacity and support future customer growth,” said Valdirene Evans, senior vice president and president, global texture solutions at Ingredion. “Additionally, these investments will enable the Indianapolis plant to continue to lead in supplying the highest quality and most innovative specialty starch-based texturizers for global customers.”
“These investments are a win-win as it helps us modernize and improve our agility in delivering Texture & Healthful Solutions for our customers while also increasing our energy efficiency and improving our cost competitiveness,” said Eric Seip, senior vice president, global operations, and chief supply chain officer.
The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026.
Ingredion invests $50 million in Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility to expand specialty industrial starch capacity for packaging and papermaking industries.
Ingredion Incorporated (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of ingredient solutions for food, beverage and industrial applications, announced today a $50 million investment in its Cedar Rapids, Iowa facility to modernize and expand the production of industrial starches for the packaging and papermaking industries.
“Demand is growing for functional solutions that deliver against more stringent requirements for strength, biodegradability and recyclability across both containerboard and papermaking,” said Rob Ritchie, senior vice president, food and industrial ingredients, LATAM and US/Canada. “Ingredion is committed to supporting these industries as they adapt and innovate to meet a variety of changing consumer and environmental requirements, such as the need for stronger natural polymer-based food packaging. With increased capacity and more efficient production at the Cedar Rapids facility, Ingredion will be well-positioned to deliver differentiated value to this growing market.”
Ingredion is a recognized leader in providing performance-based specialty ingredients that contribute to the circular economy of the paper and packaging industries.
LIGHt-based rapid detection of starch in tobacco leaves by smartphone sensing.
A rapid and efficient detection method to detect the total starch in tobacco leaves using smartphone-based anthrone-sulfuric acid colorimetry is established under the framework of the low-cost, immediate, general-purpose, and high-throughput (LIGHt) smartphone-based colorimetry. The LIGHt smartphone colorimetry resulted average relative error of 5.74%, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 2.58 to 4.31%, a detection limit of 1.53 µg/mL, and an average recovery rate of 95.72%.
Device components and characteristics of LIGHt smartphone colorimetry.
The results demonstrated that the LIGHt smartphone colorimetry perform comparably to the regular visible spectrophotometry in determining starch concentration, validating the feasibility of this novel colorimetric method, which requires no specific instruments. The LIGHt-based method indicated the feasibility and potential for application in the field of rapid quality detection of plant leaves and other food and medicinal-related quality control practices.
China extends anti-dumping duties on EU-imported potato starch for 5 years: MOFCOM.
China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Wednesday announced that, starting on February 6, anti-dumping duties ranging from 12.6 percent to 56.7 percent on potato starch imported from the EU will be extended for another period of five years.
The decision came after a review of the anti-dumping measures, launched at the request of domestic potato starch producers, according to a statement released on the ministry’s official website. The continued imposition of these duties aims to prevent potential harm to the domestic industry and ensure a level playing field in the market, it said.
“The MOFCOM has ruled that if the anti-dumping measures were lifted, the dumping of potato starch from the EU could continue or reoccur, and the harm on China’s domestic potato starch industry could continue or reoccur,” the statement said.
Based on the findings, the MOFCOM submitted a recommendation to the State Council Tariff Commission to continue the anti-dumping duties, which were subsequently approved, according to the statement.
The MOFCOM statement specified that beginning February 6, importers of potato starch originating from EU companies should pay the applicable anti-dumping duties to Chinese customs at the time of import.
Under the new measures, the specific anti-dumping duty rates for EU companies are as follows: Coöperatie Koninklijke Avebe U.A. and Avebe Kartoffelstärkefabrik Prignitz/Wendland GmbH will face a 12.6-percent duty, while other EU firms, including Roquette Frères, will be subject to a 56.7-percent duty.
Potato starch is used in the food industry in China as an important raw material for the production of food additives such as emulsifiers and is widely used in the production of products such as sausages and packaged food.
The ministry’s move on Wednesday is the latest development in the long-standing anti-dumping measures on the EU product dating back to 2007. On February 5, 2007, the MOFCOM announced the imposition of anti-dumping duties on potato starch imported from the bloc.
Since then, the duty rates have been adjusted and extended multiple times. On April 18, 2011, they were adjusted to a range from 12.6 percent to 56.7 percent. The measures were further extended in 2013 and 2019, each for a five-year period, according to the MOFCOM.
Plant hormone auxin crucial to stockpiling starch.
Auxin regulates starch production, unlocking potential to enhance crop yields and feed billions globally.
In a world where food security remains a pressing challenge, scientists continue to seek innovative ways to enhance crop production. A recent study from the University of Tasmania has uncovered a crucial role for auxin, a tiny but powerful plant hormone, in determining how plants store energy.
The findings, published in the journal Nature Communications, reveal that auxin is not just a growth regulator – it plays a pivotal role in starch production.
This discovery has profound implications for global agriculture, offering new possibilities for increasing the starch content of staple crops such as rice, maize, and peas. If harnessed effectively, auxin could help improve food availability for billions of people worldwide.
For decades, auxin has been recognized as a master regulator of plant development. It influences various growth processes, from cell elongation to root formation.
However, the new research from the University of Tasmania has shown that auxin also plays a critical role in energy storage, particularly in the form of starch accumulation within seeds.
“It turns out this tiny molecule holds the key to how plants store energy, particularly in the form of starch,” said study co-author Professor John Ross.
This discovery challenges the long-held view that auxin is primarily involved in plant growth. Instead, the findings indicate that auxin acts as a central orchestrator of starch formation in crops. Without auxin, seeds cannot efficiently stockpile starch, a component that makes up 60-80% of rice grains.
Given that rice is a staple food for more than half of the world’s population, understanding how auxin regulates starch production could have major consequences for food security.
The study integrates a wide range of research, including the team’s own experiments, to establish how auxin drives starch accumulation in seeds. The researchers found that auxin operates through three interconnected mechanisms.
First, it stimulates the activity of starch-producing genes, ensuring that plants can efficiently synthesize starch at the genetic level.
Second, auxin plays a crucial role in energy generation within seeds, providing the necessary fuel for starch biosynthesis.
Finally, the hormone ensures that sugar is transported efficiently into developing seeds, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for starch formation.
These findings present a more comprehensive picture of how auxin functions beyond its well-documented role in plant growth.
The research team developed a hypothetical model that integrates these three mechanisms, providing a framework for future studies into how auxin promotes starch accumulation across different plant systems.
As the global population continues to rise, the demand for staple crops such as rice and maize is expected to increase significantly.
The findings of this study open up exciting possibilities for enhancing crop yields naturally. By fine-tuning auxin pathways, scientists could potentially supercharge starch production in key crops, making them more productive and resilient to environmental stresses.
Professor Ross described the discovery as a major breakthrough with the potential to address some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today. “Understanding auxin’s role could be a game-changer, especially for crops that billions rely on,” he said.
A hypothetical model integrating three suggested mechanisms, from different plant systems, by which auxin promotes starch accumulation.
Rather than introducing genetically modified traits or synthetic chemicals, researchers could leverage auxin, a hormone that plants already produce, to enhance carbohydrate accumulation in crops.
This approach offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to increase food production without compromising plant health.
Dr. Erin McAdam, another co-author of the study, emphasized the enormous potential of this research in tackling food security challenges.
“Our work shows how a hormone plants already make can be harnessed to naturally boost carbohydrates in seed crops. There is huge scope for fundamental and applied research in this area, work that is critical if we want to feed billions of people,” she said.
While these findings offer exciting possibilities, scientists caution that further research is needed to fully understand auxin’s role in starch synthesis.
The study lays a strong foundation for future exploration, but unlocking the full potential of auxin-based crop enhancement will require additional studies across different plant species and growing conditions.
The implications of this research extend beyond rice and maize. Other staple crops, including wheat, barley, and legumes, could also benefit from a better understanding of auxin’s impact on starch production.
If researchers can develop targeted methods to enhance auxin’s activity in seeds, it may be possible to create crops that not only yield more but also provide greater nutritional value.
The discovery that auxin plays a key role in starch accumulation marks an important step forward in agricultural science.
With global food security under increasing pressure due to climate change, population growth, and limited arable land, innovative solutions are needed to ensure a stable food supply.
Auxin-based approaches offer a promising, natural way to enhance crop productivity without relying on genetic modification or chemical interventions.
By continuing to investigate auxin’s functions, scientists may unlock new strategies to optimize plant growth and energy storage, paving the way for more resilient and abundant food crops.
The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and while more research is needed, the potential benefits of harnessing auxin are too significant to ignore. If successful, this tiny molecule could play a massive role in shaping the future of food security worldwide.
Arvesta opens new plant protein facility in Mettet, Belgium.
Belgian agricultural specialist Arvesta has opened a new plant protein facility in Mettet, Belgium, claimed to be the first of its kind in Belgium and the Benelux region.
The protein plant will produce high-quality vegetable protein concentrates from local raw materials such as yellow peas. The process aims to contribute to the sustainable production of healthy food products for humans and animals, while enhancing the value of local raw materials and offering new business models to local farmers.
Arvesta marked the opening of the 500-square-metre facility on 9 January 2025, designed to serve the food and pet food industries as well as producing starch and fibre concentrates for the animal feed industry.
The site is the result of four years’ development and has the capacity to process 12,000 tonnes of yellow peas annually. Each year it could produce 3,000 tonnes of protein powder, 7,500 tonnes of starch and 1,500 tonnes of fibre.
According to Arvesta, the facility could result in the reduction of 4,400 tonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to driving a diesel car around the world 13 times.
Kris Moerman, business unit director of agriculture and horticulture at Arvesta, said that working closely with local farmers in Belgium and France to grow yellow peas offers farmers a guaranteed market for their crops.
He added: “This not only creates new income models, but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices”.
Niek Depoorter, CEO of Arvesta, commented: “This installation is an investment in technology and in the future of agriculture. We are convinced that this step brings us closer to our vision of an economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector.”
25-26 Feb, 2025 – Ho Chi Minh City, VIETNAM (Novotel Saigon Centre).
The 13th Asia Starch Value Chain Conference, scheduled to be held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a premier event focusing on the growing starch industry across Asia. Bringing together key stakeholders, including starch producers, traders, manufacturers, and technology providers, to discuss the latest trends, innovations, and challenges within the starch value chain.
Diving into topics on optimizing the starch value chain, the overarching theme is on Sustainability.
This event will also have discussions on market dynamics, sustainable agriculture, valorising waste/side streams, sugar reduction, fibre enrichment solutions, starch modification, clean label and many more
A strategic choice for hosting the Asia Starch Value Chain conference, Vietnam’s economy has been one of the fastest-growing in the region, making it an ideal location for discussions on industrial growth and market expansion in the starch sector.
As one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cassava, a key source of starch. The country’s cassava industry has been a significant contributor to its agricultural exports, and innovations in cassava processing and value addition are critical topics for the conference.
CMT’s Asia starch series is recognised as an important event for the industry and generally targeted at companies involved in supplying food Ingredients companies that uses starch & starch derivatives for food, textiles, paper , packaging, pharmaceutical industries, companies supporting bioprocess solutions , fermentation, yeast and enzyme suppliers, Milling industry , Sugar & Sweetener industry , Traders & commodities brokers, Bioethanol producers, , Equipment & Technology suppliers, biogas industries.
A must attend event in the industry, it has been brought around the region to Bangkok, Jakarta, Yangon, Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh, Siem Reap, Vientiane.
