From Pichia to Komagataella: A new name for the same industrial powerhouse

We expanded our yeast platform for industrial enzyme and protein production

New name, proven performance: Komagataella phaffii, formerly known as Pichia pastoris, has emerged as a game-changer in biotechnology, serving as a highly efficient platform for recombinant protein production. K. phaffii is capable of producing enzymes in the double-digit g/L range, secretion into the culture medium and introducing eukaryotic post-translational modifications. Just to name a few reasons why K. phaffii is particularly well-suited for the production of specialty enzymes.

Over many years, we have not only successfully utilized the microbial K. phaffii platform but also further developed it - especially for the industrial production of specialty enzymes. This includes both technical advancements that improve strain performance and product yield, as well as developments addressing regulatory aspects to help accelerate product commercialization.

SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR KOMAGATAELLA PLATFORM:

1. Plug & Produce

For the rapid set up of production strains, we use our Plug & Produce systems: we simultaneously integrate multiple optimized gene expression cassettes into our pre-developed industrial production strains and use our proven bioprocess. This allows us to quickly test production performance for any target, and in many cases, we already have sufficient high-performance strains.

2. Antibiotic-free production system

Stringent regulations limit the use of antibiotic resistance markers, particularly in food applications. We solve this problem by using auxotrophy markers, which allow us to integrate multiple gene expression cassettes into the genome simultaneously without the use of antibiotics.

3. Methanol-free production system

Traditional K. phaffii systems rely on methanol for induction of gene expression, posing safety and cost concerns. We developed and patented our own, methanol-free production system, which reduces safety risks and simplifies scale-up while maintaining high yields. For applications and production facilities where it is permitted, we still offer to work with methanol- or low-methanol-based systems.

4. Animal-free production system

Although K. phaffii is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), protein and enzyme production processes for food and pharmaceuticals must meet defined requirements. For applications that require it, we can rely on our animal-free media, facilitating market entry for pharmaceutical, kosher, and halal products.

5. Targeted genome editing via BMC

For strain development, we use our proprietary genome editing tool BRAIN Metagenomic Cas (BMC), specifically developed for efficient use in K. phaffii. This enables us to make targeted and specific genomic modifications (integration, deletion, editing), reducing development times.

6. Tailor-made strain solutions

Maximizing production yields requires specific strain and process development. For target specific optimization, we draw on the breadth of our technologies and experience. This includes, among other things, toolboxes (e.g. co-expression of helper factors) as well as methods from expression technology, microbiology, and genetic engineering. Already during strain development, the bioprocess is optimized specifically for the target (in small-scale bioreactors), creating a continuous interplay between improved strain and improved bioprocess.

7. High-cell-density fermentation

We work with high-cell-density fermentations to maximize product yield and efficiency. In addition to developed standard processes, we use our extensive fermentation experience to design and implement scalable and robust processes, tailored to the specific project requirements. This is all supported by our fully equipped analytical laboratory, ensuring rigorous monitoring and optimization at every stage of development.

8. Seamless scale-up and manufacture

Partnering with BRAIN Biotech eliminates the need to search for a contract manufacturer. Through the BRAIN Biotech Group company Biocatalysts Ltd., we provide a seamless transition to industrial-scale production, accelerating time-to-market and ensuring consistent processes.

We have advanced our K. phaffii technologies to achieve high yields while also considering regulatory aspects relevant to manufacture and application at an early stage.

Dr. Alexander Pelzer - VP, Head R&D BRAIN Biotech Zwingenberg

Our offer:

We offer our industrial yeast platform and all the technologies presented as contract research services. This also includes scale-up and contract manufacturing. Partner with us and harness the full potential of Komagataella phaffii for efficient protein production.