February 15, 2012

Direvo sells novel engineered enzyme to BASF

Cologne, Germany-based Direvo's tailor-made feed enzyme is an optimised and improved mannanase. It displays superior temperature stability and efficacy. This novel enzyme will complement the existing range of feed enzymes that BASF currently markets.

"There is no comparable enzyme on the market," said Dr. Jorg Riesmeier, CEO of Direvo Industrial Biotechnology GmbH. "In bringing this programme to a successful sale, Direvo has again demonstrated the versatility and power of its proprietary technology platform."

Enzyme engineering brings several of Direvo's core competencies into play, including high-throughput screening and assay development.

"We are pleased that our unique enzyme with optimal characteristics for the animal feed industry is enabling BASF to accelerate work on efficient and sustainable nutrition," he added.

"Enzymes are one of the focus areas of our innovation activities," said Dr. Martin Jager, global head of BASF's Animal Nutrition Business.

"Direvo's mannanase is an innovative product with excellent market potential due to its combination of temperature and pelleting stability. This technology package broadens our enzyme know how and enhances our capabilities to make future animal nutrition more efficient and cost-effective."