Bestzyme, a synthetic biology company under GenScript Biotech, has completed the world's first dedicated, automated production line for sweet proteins at its facility in Jinan, China. The 5,000-square-metre facility will produce over 100 tonnes annually of Mellia Brazzein, a sweet protein derived from West African Oubli fruit. This output equals the sweetness of 300,000 tonnes of sucrose. Capacity is expected to potentially double within two years. The facility features fully automated fermentation, purification, and freeze-drying processes. Mellia has already launched in the US market through a partnership with a sparkling water brand and received GRAS status confirmation from the FDA in April 2025. The company has integrated research and development, mass production, and application capabilities for sweet proteins.

PISCATAWAY, N.J., April 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bestzyme is pleased to announce a flagship product Mellia™ Brazzein, has officially received the "No Questions" letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. The GRAS designation recognizes it as general-purpose sweetener for a wide range of applications in the food and beverage industry.This milestone follows the successful Self-GRAS certification completed in early July 2024. It marks the official FDA approval of Mellia™ Brazzein, affirming the product's safety and regulatory compliance. With this GRAS approval, Bestzyme has received international recognition for its innovative breakthrough in the natural sweetener industry.Brazzein is a naturally occurring sweet protein found in the fruit of the West African plant Oubli (Pentadiplandra brazzeana Baillon). Now, Bestzyme has enabled its sustainable and industrial-scale production through precision fermentation.Mellia™ Brazzein features pure sweet taste, high sweetness and flavor modifying function