As a leading producer of sustainable ingredients from natural sources, Jungbunzlauer is collaborating with the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien) to support innovative research to optimise citric acid production by refining fungal strains at the newly-opened Christian Doppler (CD) Laboratory. 

Citric acid is a versatile bio-ingredient used in industries ranging from food and beverage to pharmaceuticals and nutritional supplements. 

“The process of converting sugars into citric acid is biologically complex and involves specific genetic and biochemical pathways in the fungus,” said Professor Matthias Steiger, head of the CD Laboratory. “Our goal is to gain a detailed understanding of these processes to enrich naturally efficient fungal strains, maintaining high production standards for the food sector. We are grateful to the team at Jungbunzlauer for supporting this research.” 

Innovating for Improved Sustainability The research focuses on selecting and enriching fungal strains that naturally evolve towards greater efficiency under controlled laboratory conditions, offering significant improvements in citric acid yield and sustainability. 

“We are very pleased to support this important research,” explained Anne Wagner, Junbunzlauer’s VP Research, Development & Innovation. “At Jungbunzlauer, sustainability is at the heart of what we do. By partnering with TU Wien and supporting this innovative research, we aim to improve production processes in a way that aligns with our commitment to environmental responsibility.” 

The CD Laboratory employs advanced molecular analysis and selection techniques to identify key genetic factors and environmental conditions that optimise the fungus’s ability to produce citric acid. Novel methods for in vivo mRNA measurement are also being developed to measure the spatial distribution of mRNA relevant to citric acid production, further refining the strain selection process. 

Towards a Greener Future Jungbunzlauer’s collaboration with TU Wien and the Christian Doppler (CD) Laboratory exemplifies the power of industry-academic partnerships in addressing global sustainability challenges. The results of this research will not only boost the efficiency of citric acid production but also provide a scalable model for the sustainable bioproduction of other important compounds. 

About Jungbunzlauer: 

Jungbunzlauer is a leading producer of high-quality, sustainable ingredients from natural sources, serving industries from food and beverage, nutrition, health, and home and personal care. As a trusted partner, we offer a diverse portfolio of texturants, acidulants, minerals, and tailored solutions to meet our customers' evolving needs. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, with state-of-the-art facilities including large-scale fermentation operations across Europe and North America, we proudly serve over 130 countries worldwide. Founded more than 150 years ago, Jungbunzlauer has grown into a CHF 1.3 billion company, driven by nearly 1,400 dedicated colleagues committed to a healthier, more sustainable future. Learn more at www.jungbunzlauer.com. 

About TU Wien: 

TU Wien (Vienna University of Technology) is one of Europe’s leading institutions of higher education and research in the fields of engineering, natural sciences, architecture, and technology. Established in 1815, TU Wien is located in the heart of Vienna and is committed to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation that addresses global challenges. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary research and collaboration with industry, TU Wien drives technological and scientific progress across sectors, contributing to the economic and social development of Austria and beyond. The university's facilities and world-class academic programs attract students and researchers from around the globe, making it a hub of intellectual exchange and groundbreaking discovery. For more information, visit www.tuwien.ac.at. 

About the Christian Doppler (CD) Laboratory: 

The Christian Doppler Laboratories are centres of excellence in applied research that bridge the gap between cutting-edge science and practical industry solutions. Supported by both the Austrian government and industry partners, CD Laboratories work closely with universities, including TU Wien, to conduct high-level research that addresses pressing challenges in various fields. With a focus on fostering innovation, the laboratories contribute to advancing technology, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness. Each CD Laboratory collaborates with leading experts to translate scientific breakthroughs into practical applications, driving progress across sectors. For more information, visit www.cdg.ac.at.