Improving baby formula fat composition using engineered algae
Official title: Synthetic Biology Approach in Engineered Algae for Improved Milk Fat Composition in Formula
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11031316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how to make baby formula even better by using specially designed algae to add healthy fats that are similar to those found in breast milk, helping babies who can’t be breastfed get the nutrition they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $74,284 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HD114387-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants who are being fed formula, especially those from low-income families or those unable to breastfeed due to maternal health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are exclusively breastfed or those with specific metabolic disorders that affect fat absorption may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the fat composition of infant formula by utilizing engineered algae. The approach involves synthetic biology techniques to create algae that can produce fatty acids similar to those found in human milk fat, which are crucial for infant health. By improving the fatty acid profile, the goal is to provide better nutritional benefits and absorption for infants who rely on formula. This project aims to address the nutritional gaps in current commercial formulas, particularly for infants who cannot be breastfed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to infant formulas that more closely mimic the nutritional profile of human breast milk, improving health outcomes for infants.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using engineered organisms to produce nutritional components, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Yang-Tsung — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Lin, Yang-Tsung
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.