AltaBioscience Joins the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) as an Industrial Partner
AltaBioscience, a worldwide leader in amino acid analysis services, is excited to announce it has joined the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC) as an industrial partner. NAPIC, launched in August 2024, is dedicated to advancing the development of alternative protein technologies. It will focus on creating sustainable, nutritious, and accessible protein solutions by integrating innovative scientific methods and cutting-edge technologies across the supply chain.
What are alternative proteins?
Alternative proteins refer to protein sources that differ from traditional animal-based proteins such as meat, dairy, and eggs. These proteins are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, ethical, and diverse food options.
They are often developed to mimic the nutritional content, taste, and texture of conventional proteins for better consumer acceptance. With this in mind, NAPIC aims to valorise proteins derived from diverse natural sources such as plants, algae, mycoproteins and bacteria, or obtained by precision fermentation, cellular agriculture or by new alternative production systems such as insects, to help transition and build a more sustainable future.
Supporting the alternative protein sector with amino acid analysis
As an established protein testing laboratory in the food, agricultural and life science industries, AltaBioscience brings deep expertise and a proven track record in providing reliable analytical services to its clients globally. The methods we use are accredited to ISO 17025:2017 and are internationally recognised for their robustness, reproducibility and precision.
“Our analytical techniques are among the most exacting and are designed to handle complex materials such as raw ingredients, cell culture media and cell-cultured foods”, explained Sarah Hawker, Head of Amino Acid Analysis. “Unlike other methods, we can accurately quantify the protein content without overestimating non-proteinogenic nitrogen compounds.”
The analysis also enables the complete determination of the amino acid profile of a wide range of sample types, including all 20 amino acids along with non-standard amino acids such as taurine and hydroxyproline. As a result, our services are integral to the alternative protein sector, supporting every stage of the supply chain. From discovery and optimisation to quality control and regulatory approval, we enable the development and commercialisation of innovative alt protein products such as cultivated meat.
Partnering to build a more sustainable and secure future
Along with over 120 research and industrial partners, AltaBioscience is proud to be part of this exciting initiative and looks forward to contributing to NAPIC’s vision of creating a dynamic and open innovation ecosystem that meets the growing global demand for alternative proteins.
“Our involvement aligns with NAPIC’s mission to drive the discovery, innovation, and commercialisation of alternative protein solutions, unlocking new opportunities across sectors like food, feed, health and other protein technologies”, said Dr Lisa Mansell, Managing Director. “We look forward to supporting the alternative protein community with our analytical services”.
The AltaBioscience team will attend the official launch of the centre at the University of Leeds on Friday 29th November 2024. Please contact us if you would like to meet on the day.
About AltaBioscience
Founded in 1973, AltaBioscience provides high-quality, customised services to the biotech, food, feed, and alternative protein industries. ISO 9001:2015 certified for the laboratory as a whole and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited for amino acid analysis and protein sequencing, the company is recognised for its excellence, reliability, and commitment to client success. In addition to analytical services, AltaBioscience specialises in custom peptide synthesis, DNA oligo synthesis and antibody generation. To find out more, please contact our team at info@altabioscience.com.
