Geltor: Designer collagen proteins
San Leandro-based Geltor - which is using synthetic biology to engineer bacteria to produce collagen (which is currently extracted from animal skin, bones, and connective tissue) via a fermentation process – initially focused on collagen ingredients used in topical skincare products. It is now working with key partners on producing ingestible products that will hit the market in 2021, says co-founder Alex Lorestani.
“If anything, we’ve seen interest [in alternative sources of protein] intensify during the pandemic. Investors are all thinking about what sustainable protein means for global CPG businesses.”
