BASF Aroma Ingredients launches two Isobionics® biotech flavor ingredients

Isobionics®, a biotechnology brand of BASF Aroma Ingredients, is launching two new natural ingredients on the flavor market. Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 and Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 are produced using an innovative cutting-edge fermentation process, making them a novelty in the flavor industry. Both new products will be presented for the first time at the FlavourTalk Raw Materials Exhibition 2025, which will take place on March 26-27 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel Conference Centre in London, United Kingdom.

"We are excited to launch Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 and Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90, two high-quality biotech-based innovations for the global flavor industry which our customers have been asking for. We are looking forward to further engaging with our customers to enhance their flavor formulations with these new ingredients," said Steffen Götz, Vice President of Aroma Ingredients at BASF.

Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20: Biotech single note from orange

Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 has an aldehydic, citrus (tangerine and mandarin) peel taste and odor with marine and algae notes at a use level of 0.1-10 ppm. Additionally, it helps highlight odor compositions with a fresh effect and taste compositions with a slightly metallic effect. The main advantage of this innovative flavor ingredient is that it is not extracted from orange oil, which opens up the potential for wide use in flavor applications. It adds juiciness and freshness to any fruit flavor from mango to berry, including all citrus flavors. In addition, it shows potent effects in savory formulations such as fish, meat and tomato flavors. Last but not least, it can enhance the organoleptic properties of orange oil products.

Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 meets EU and US food-grade standards¹, complies with Reg. (EC) 1334/2008 and can be labelled as natural flavouring preparation in the EU, with FEMA/GRAS number approval expected in June 2025. The product is EU and US natural², pesticide-free³ as well as kosher, halal and ISO 22000 certified.

Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90: Pure woody taste for beverages and essential oil applications

Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 tastes like woody cedar, piney, damp wood and sawdust with a terpineol note at 5-20 ppm use level. The odor is dry woody, resinous, also cedar, piney and patchouli-like, slightly grapefruit and herbal. This flavor ingredient has a very high purity and is suitable for non-alcoholic as well as alcoholic beverages – especially for mango, raspberry, mint and citrus flavors. Furthermore, it's the perfect choice for hop oil applications.

Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 is meeting EU and US food-grade standards¹ and has received the new FEMA number 5077. The product is EU and US natural², pesticide-free³ as well as kosher, halal and ISO 22000 certified.

Premium quality and reliable availability

Both ingredients are produced via fermentation from readily available renewable raw materials. This process is independent of weather and harvest conditions and allows us to guarantee a consistent premium quality as well as reliable availability.

Fostering innovation through revamped organizational set-up

The launches of Isobionics® Natural beta-Sinensal 20 and Isobionics® Natural alpha-Humulene 90 are part of BASF's ongoing investment in innovation. Last year, BASF Aroma Ingredients sharpened its global business management organization to focus on strategic portfolio pillars. The new organizational structure includes a dedicated team for Specialty Aroma Ingredients that is fully engaged in driving product innovations in keeping with current and future trends. The team is led by Felix Gard, who succeeded Toine Janssen as the Managing Director for Isobionics®. Gard is also the Head of Specialty Aroma Ingredients.

"We are dedicated to leveraging our Isobionics® Biotech platform in order to develop new and innovative aroma ingredients that meet the needs of our customers. Our newest additions to the Isobionics® portfolio are the result of these innovation efforts, with more exciting ingredients to come," said Gard. Customers are invited to reach out to their designated sales contacts for the opportunity to experience our latest flavor ingredient innovations as part of an exclusive demonstration or by ordering a product sample.

¹Produced in accordance with Reg. (EC) 178/2002 and (EC) 852/2004 (Hygiene, HACCAP concept). Complies with US regulation 21 CFR 182.1 and is of food grade quality.

²Natural according to the (EC) No 1334/2008, Article 16 for EU, CFR 101.22(a)(3) for US and ISO 9235 standards.

³Regular checks performed according to DIN-EN 15662. List of commodity/pesticide combination can be made available upon request.