R&D of Ajinomoto Group
Research Institute
for Bioscience Products
& Fine Chemicals
MISSION
An institute that creates new values
through discovering the full potential of amino acids
Opening up a new world of amino acids
by listening to the voice of customers and
with the world s No.1 amino acid technology
While focusing on the production and application development of amino acids, the Research
Institute for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals is committed to a series of activities
ranging from seeking new materials, carrying out research related to the manufacture of
products and creation of new applications through to technology development and
industrialization, in the fields of bioscience, food, pharmaceuticals, health, and in areas where
they overlap.
Furthermore, while taking advantage of its abundant domestic and overseas networks with
advanced scientific technologies, the institute works together with business units and other
related departments to promote research activities, and transmits new values of amino acids
to the world.
We appreciate the voice of customers above all else and offer solutions to various problems in
response to the demanding needs of our customers.
Novel technologies leading the world
Development of new materials and applications derived from amino acids
Amino acids have various functions; taste, nutrition, physiological and pharmaceutical functions.
As a pioneer and global leader of amino acids, we pursue possib le uses of amino acids and their
derivatives, nucleotides, and related substances, by taking full advantage of its wide range of
advanced technologies including biotechnology, synthetic chemistry, and chemical engineering.
By developing new materials and applications that positively meet the needs of customers, we create
materials with high added value and retail products such as advanced medical-related materials,
high-function seasonings and new cosmetic materials to provide solutions targeted at the market of
the next generation.
Research Institute
for Bioscience Products
& Fine Chemicals
R &D of Ajinomoto Group
An institute that creates new values
through discovering the full potential of amino acids
Biotechnology, fine chemicals and their fusion
We promote research and development and industrialization of amino acids,
peptides, nucleotides and their derivatives, by advanced technologies such as
(1) fermentation, (2) synthesis, (3) functional evaluation, and others. We are a
world leader in fermentation technology that utilizes the abilities of
microorganisms, synthetic technology that produces usable substances from
various raw materials, and functional evaluation technology that evaluates
nutritional and physiological functions and develops utilization methods. In
addition to these three main technologies, quality assurance and safety
3D Structure of
Peptidyl Transferase
evaluation based on the world s cutting-edge analysis technologies are also
advantages enjoyed by the Ajinomoto Group due to its unique technology
development strength.
In particular, a newly developed manufacture process which uses a hybrid
manufacturing method combining biotechnology and synthesis as a key
technology is utilized to manufacture proteins and peptides for
pharmaceutical applications, pharmaceutical intermediates, sweeteners, etc.
A global cooperation system that supports the world s No.1
amino acid business
Our efforts to become the world s No.1 amino acid business have been driven by our
achievements obtained in the course of constructing a global production system for amino
acids, namely, the selection of raw materials and microorganisms and development of
processes optimum for each location of our plants around the world.
To further improve production, we are carrying out research to improve the ability of
microorganisms in cooperation with ZAO
AJINOMOTO-GENETIKA Research Institute
(AGRI) in Russia. Production processes that use the improved microorganisms at the
Ajinomoto Group s plants around the world are mainly developed by the Research Institute
for Bioscience Products & Fine Chemicals in coordination with the Institute for Innovation,
Production & Technology Administration Center, and Technology Development Centers
adjacent to plants in each country. Within this R&D system, the Ajinomoto Group has
continued to accumulate expertise regarding the production of amino acids and nucleotides
over many years. In addition, services in consideration of the markets around the world are
provided in close coordination with the research departments of group companies outside
Japan, such as AJINOMOTO EUROLYSINE S.A.S. (France) which handles the commercial
production of amino acids, and S.A. Ajinomoto Omnichem N.V. (Belgium) which handles raw
material supply related to medical and chemical products.