Ingredient biotech start-up Shiru awarded key patent for protein discovery platform

Shiru, a functional ingredients discovery company, has just announced that it was awarded a key patent on a high-tech approach for discovering proteins for the food industry. US Patent No. 11,439,159 was issued 13 September 2022 and is entitled 'System for identifying and developing individual naturally-occurring proteins as food ingredients by machine learning and database mining combined with empirical testing for a target food function'.

The patent describes Shiru’s unique approach for revealing the elusive 'sequence-to-food-function' map. Using an iterative 'predict-build-test' loop, Shiru first uses state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms to interrogate a database of tens of millions of naturally occurring non-animal protein sequences for candidate proteins that have desired functional characteristics. Select candidates are then screened via high-throughput strain engineering and protein function assays to identify proteins that can be mass-produced via precision fermentation. The experimental data are fed back into the models to continuously improve the accuracy and efficiency of the functional predictions.

“We’ve created the most powerful toolbox for alternative proteins in the plant-based food industry, offering food makers unique and rapid access to new functional food ingredients,” explained Jasmin Hume, Shiru Founder & CEO and lead inventor on the patent. “From improving ingredient functionality and discovering clean-label alternatives to bringing disruptive new products to market, our platform helps our partners solve a wide range of problems.”

“The US plant-based foods market is expected to grow to US$7 billion, driven by consumers and food manufacturers seeking more delicious and sustainable foods,“ added Hume. “Systematically finding functional ingredients is the core of our technology, and the ability to discover diverse, natural proteins as food ingredients as described in this patent gives Shiru a competitive advantage that no other company has.”

“This patented process is a key component of our Flourish discovery platform, which is at the heart of Shiru’s capability to develop individual proteins and mixed protein isolates,” stated Lawrence Lee, Shiru CTO and patent co-inventor. “The patent protects the value of our existing technology and also creates new potential value for using naturally occurring proteins in advanced biomaterials and beyond.”

The patent specifies food functions like gelation, moisture retention, fat structuring, fiber formation, and flavors as targets. The patent claims the technology’s use in developing alternative meat products, baked goods, and confectionery while describing its use in other application areas such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Today’s announcement is the latest in Shiru’s path to commercialization. It recently announced partnerships with two leading ingredient companies – CP Kelco and Puratos – to scale and test ingredients in a range of foods. Shiru also announced that Impossible Foods veteran Ranjani Varadan joined as Chief Scientific Officer, as well as three industry-leading advisors, including Dean Banks, former Tyson CEO. In May, Shiru moved to its new headquarters in Alameda, California, where it is scaling up its pilot facilities to screen and produce a wide range of next-generation products.