NSF Awards Small Business Grant for Antioxidant Processes

(U.S. Department of Agriculture)

ChromaDex Corporation in Irvine, California says it received a $500,000 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to commercialize its technology for anthocyanins, a form of plant-based antioxidants. Anthocyanins are naturally occurring plant pigments or colorants that contribute to the vivid coloring of berries. They are also considered helpful in protecting against oxidative stress and control blood glucose levels to assist with weight management and diabetes.

In 2008, ChromaDex acquired the rights to university-developed technology for anthocyanins. The company says the grant will enable it to validate its manufacturing processes for anthocyanins using fermentation. It plans to market and license these anthocyanins to food, beverage, cosmetic, and dietary supplement manufacturers to meet the growing demand for natural, plant-based ingredients.

This award from National Science Foundation is an SBIR Phase 2 grant. Phase 2 grants further develop a proposed concept, building on the feasibility project undertaken earlier in Phase 1 and incorporating the reassessment of scientific, technical, and commercial merit and feasibility.

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