Regenesome and partners file patent for efficient koji mold selection

Regenesome Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Kanazawa Institute of Technology and Orizé Co., Ltd., has filed a patent for a method to efficiently select koji mold (Aspergillus oryzae) strains suitable for producing fermented sweeteners like amazake and koji-based sweeteners.

The new method combines DNA molecular indicators—specifically PCR amplification patterns of the regions surrounding three alpha-amylase gene loci—with phenotypic enzyme activity measurements. This approach allows for more objective and simpler selection compared to traditional full genome sequencing or reliance on manufacturing experience.

In experimental trials, the method successfully identified a practical strain exhibiting approximately 2.2 times the alpha-amylase activity of the control strain. The patent application also covers methods for identifying koji mold strains, reagent sets, and the production of rice koji and fermented sweeteners.