Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, IL, and Igene Biotechnology, Inc., Columbia, MD, have formed a joint venture, Naturxan L.L.C., to produce natural-source astaxanthin, a naturally derived alternative to synthetic astaxanthin, which is widely used in the aquaculture industry. Naturxan L.L.C. brings together Igene’s extensive knowledge of astaxanthin technology with ADM’s expertise in production and logistics to better meet the growing demand for natural-source ingredients.

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring antioxidant that is essential to impart the characteristic red color to farmed fish. Although synthetic astaxanthin sources are available, they are subject to growing public awareness because they are derived from non-renewable petrochemicals. Naturxan’s natural-source astaxanthin is produced through fermentation using natural Phaffia yeast, and since no solvent extraction processes are applied during production, there are no chemical residues.

“Naturxan will provide customers with a high-grade, natural-source Phaffia yeast astaxanthin. The use of natural-source astaxanthin by producers of farm-raised fish such as salmon and trout can be an effective way to differentiate their products to meet increasing consumer demand,” said Kris Lutt, general manager of specialty feeds, ADM. 

“Today’s informed consumers are seeking food that is produced in environmentally friendly and sustainable ways, using when possible, only natural-source ingredients. Naturxan combines Igene’s natural-source astaxanthin technology and ADM’s production prowess to help meet this growing demand,” said Stephen Hiu, Ph.D., president and chief technical officer, Igene Biotechnology.

Naturxan’s natural-source Phaffia astaxanthin has been approved as a feed ingredient in Chile, Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe. Natural-source Phaffia astaxanthin, is accepted for use as pigmentation by leading certification bodies like NATURLAND and BIOSUISSE and government organizations like the UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).