FRANKFURT, Germany (Reuters) – German chemical giant BASF AG says it has deciphered the genetic code of a bacterium that should allow more efficient production of lysine, an amino acid used as protein in animal feed.
BASF, which is one of the world’s three biggest lysine producers, said it has applied for patent protection for its findings, which were achieved in partnership with American biotech company Integrated Genomics Inc.
The corynebacterium glutamicum bacterium is used by the chemical industry to biologically produce lysine. Lysine is added to feed as a nutrient and used as an alternative to soybeans and bonemeal.
The company said it found 1,500 unknown genes during its research.
“We have determined their function and have filed patent applications for them,” said Markus Pompejus, head of BASF’s lysine research project.
