Matrix Genetics & Proterro Partner on First Commercial Production of Modified Cyanobacteria for Nutrition Market

SEATTLE, WA--(Marketwired - Feb 10, 2016) -  Matrix Genetics a biotechnology company focused on producing safe and sustainable products derived from cyanobacteria (a blue-green algae), and Proterro, a biotechnology company with a unique photobioreactor technology to convert waste CO2 into valuable products, announced a partnership to jointly produce high-value nutritional products in Spirulina. Matrix will develop the Spirulina strains and Proterro will grow these strains on their proprietary production system.

Matrix was the first company to offer rapid and efficient genetic methods for modifying Spirulina, which unlocks this organism's high protein content, rich availability of B vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidant carotenoids such as beta-carotene. This breakthrough enables Matrix to develop strains with a specific set of traits for a specific set of desired results, as well as the ability to mass produce them.

"We're able to precisely and stably introduce new genes into the Spirulina genome, enabling us to purpose-build strains that meet the needs of our partners," said Margaret McCormick, CEO of Matrix Genetics. "Proterro is the first company to leverage this capability and is taking a great step towards fully realizing the promise of Spirulina as a commercial-grade source for years to come."

Proterro will grow Matrix's Spirulina with Proterro's photobioreactor system. Proterro's technology converts the carbon in waste CO₂ into valuable products, including industrial biochemicals, food grade and specialty sugars, as well as nutritional products including organic acids, amino acids, nutrients and vitamins.

"This partnership leverages the expertise and core competencies of both companies," said Colin South, CEO, at Proterro. "With Matrix's Spirulina plugged into our production system, Proterro will be able to meet the needs of our customers for a sustainable, high-yield source of ingredients for their products."

About Matrix Genetics
Matrix Genetics, located in Seattle, Wash. is a biotechnology company focused on producing valuable products derived from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae). The company's state-of-the-art, metabolic engineering and systems biology platform is the most cost-efficient method to customize organisms with a range of traits for multiple industries. More information is available at www.matrixgenetics.com.

About Proterro
Proterro is a biotechnology company that converts waste CO₂ into valuable products under license agreements with its partners. Its technology utilizes photosynthetic organisms in a patented, fully integrated reactor system to produce cost-competitive products for partners in the global food, feed, and energy industries. More information is available at www.proterro.com.