ALAMEDA, California – Checkerspot, a biotechnology company, announced that it has successfully created a high-oleic palm oil alternative produced through the fermentation of microalgae.
The announcement followed an article published in Fermentation.
Per the announcement, Checkerspot says the microalga Prototheca moriformis was used and enhanced oil profiles with improvement techniques.
The resulting oil matches the fatty acid profile of oleic palm oil, with over 55% oleic acid and 32% palmitic acid, without the use of genetic engineering.
“This milestone underscores our commitment to developing domestically produced, sustainable, high-performance alternatives to conventional oils,” said Scott Franklin, Chief Scientific Officer and Co-founder of Checkerspot.
Speaking from the announcement, Franklin also said the technology can help relieve supply chain issues due to relying on tropical fats and hybrid pollination systems like hybrid pollination systems, which the company says is costly and environmentally damaging.
Checkerspot highlighted the fermentation process by saying it had the potential to scale the process to industrial levels. The process positions the company as a competitor in industrial oil production. A human breast milk analog has also been developed by the same platform, earlier in 2024.
Board member Jim Kim of Checkerspot from Builders VC stated that global solutions, aided by advancing technology, will enhance what he describes as struggling trade systems.
Checkerspot is a biotechnology company and Certified B Corporation™ that develops high-value triglyceride fats and oils at commercially relevant scale & cost.
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