Gnosis by Lesaffre: development driven by biotransformation It is by relying on the use of microorganisms and their biotransformation that Gnosis, a Lesaffre Group Business Unit, aims to develop solutions targeting human health and well- being. Interview with Philippe Caillat, Global Marketing Director, who explains us how the BU is planning to integrate this biotransformation concept. Actif’s Mag: On what markets does Gnosis by Lesaffre I was saying earlier, our aim is to explore microorganisms and operate? And what are you going to bring to these markets? the biotransformation processes they provide today and to- Philippe Caillat: Our markets are the ones for foods supple- morrow. The term of biotransformation is not yet very fami- ments, functional foods and drinks, as well as pharmaceuticalliar to all the players. It is used in connection with fermentation companies for whom we want to develop solutions that will al-but also with other natural processes that allow modifying the low them to transform their environments. These solutions rely oncompounds of living organisms. Within this context, microor- the power of microorganisms and biotransformation processes— ganisms act like genuine factories at the cellular level. They such as fermentation—in order to culture nutritional ingredients,are the ones that transform compounds into nutritional in- probiotics, nutritional and functional yeasts with human healthgredients. The interest of biotransformation is that it opens up and well-being benefits. In fact, we offer solutions under this li-an almost infinite number of possibilities. This new approach, mited framework as not only do these latter meet the needs of thewhich is part of our new strategy, relies on our in-house skills, market, but they also exhibit tried and tested benefits. but can also involve partnerships with other companies or with universities. In partnership with a number of companies Actif’s Mag: What is the structure of the portfolio of and, sometimes, via share ownership, we are exploring in the ingredients for these markets? United States the potential of spore-forming bacteria and other Philippe Caillat: We have identified five segments—or five targetmicroorganisms. Biotransformation is our daily life. Beyond markets—that will cover over 90% of our clients’ product positio-its technological interest, it allows us to differentiate oursel- nings. These five segments cover ingredients and each ingredientves from the other players on the market. As nutrition is not yet exhibits one or several functions. Moreover, each of the functionsaccustomed to all it can provide. This new approach will also exerted by our ingredients can be a cross-cutting issue. This is theallow us to expand our production capabilities—just as with originality of our range of ingredients: they cover a matrix. For ins-chondroitin production. tance, mobility or bone health problems concern not only the el- derly, but also sports people or women. And conversely, the SAMeActif’s Mag: Could you briefly present some of the new (Editor’s Note: S-Adenosyl-L-mvitaMK7®ethionine) we offer is in-ingredients you are currently promoting? volved in a high number of biochemical processes—one hundred Philippe Caillat: LifeinU™ BSCU1 is a strain of Bacillus sub- metabolic pathways in which SAMe is involved have been iden- tilis—a spor-forming bacterium—associated with a more tified—including those supporting cognition but also the liverthan 30% reduction in the risk of developing an infectious function (Editor’s Note: SAMe is marketed under the new brandepisode at a daily dose consumption of 2x109 CFU for four Adonat®). The mobility segment is also where we positioned our vitamin K2 obtained by fermentation (vitaMK7® brand) as well as non-animal chondroitin, which is the only of its kind on the « Biotransformation is our daily life. market. Beyond its technological interest, it Actif’s Mag: Are all your ingredient solutions obtained by allows us to differentiate ourselves from fermentation? Do you also use other processes? How do the other players on the market» you do that? Philippe Caillat: Fermentation is part of Lesaffre Group’s Philippe Caillat DNA. We have been able to develop ourselves precisely be- Global Marketing Director - Gnosis cause we perfectly master this technology. But beyond that, as stneidergnI — stneidérgnI- 211 -