Startup AuX Labs Makes Casein Without Cows to Improve Vegan Cheese
AuX Labs, a startup, is producing casein (the milk protein that gives cheese its structure and meltability) without cows using bioreactors and microbial fermentation. The company has raised $4 million in seed funding to commercialize its vegan cheese, partnering with struggling US microbreweries to use their excess fermentation capacity. The casein produced is claimed to be biologically identical to animal-derived casein, offering the melt and stretch properties missing in current vegan cheeses. The $165 billion cheese market represents the primary opportunity, with potential environmental benefits including 90% lower greenhouse gas emissions.