Milis, a novel sweet protein for use as flavouring in the food and beverage industry

Project Information

Milis

Grant agreement ID: 816846

DOI

10.3030/816846

Project closed

EC signature date 6 June 2018

Start date 1 May 2018

End date 30 September 2018

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

MILIS BIO LIMITED
Ireland

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Milis (Milis, a novel sweet protein for use as flavouring in the food and beverage industry)

Reporting period: 2018-05-01 to 2018-09-30

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Unfortunately, today’s world has been adapted to a system of consumption of foods which has several adverse effects on human health. By way of example, 90% of general practitioners believe that the growth in type II diabetes and the current obesity epidemic are strongly linked to excessive sugar consumption and salt is also known to be one of the main contributors to the global pandemic of high blood pressure. Milis Bio has developed a biotechnological screening platform for rapid and efficient discovery of novel proteins for use as flavourings in the food and beverage industry. Using a protein based ingredient with this method guarantees that the ingredient will be low-calorie, high protein, easily digestible and without aftertaste. The objectives of the innovation project is to develop a screening process for the umami flavour to replace and to validate novel protein production at scale.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

During the feasibility assessment, Milis Bio has completed a full analysis of the technical and business potential of their protein screening technology. Throughout the project, Milis Bio has greatly expanded their knowledge regarding the necessary steps to being their proteins to market. The key technical milestones achieved during the project was the decision to fast-track the development of their screening process for umami flavoured proteins. This way the company will have completed all technical developments for both of the sweet and umami screening process ready for the market at the end of the innovation project. The technical developments for this new screening process were outlined during the feasibility assessment.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The innovation in Milis Bio is represented by:
1) No current technology exists to screen naturally occurring proteins that can replace sweeteners and flavourings
2) Screening process allows proteins designed for specific needs meeting the exact needs of clients
3) Low calorie, natural replacement for sugar and MSG
4) Ability to develop lots of proteins at the same time

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