Directory

Bill Fields , Applications Manager
2711 S. Loop Drive, Suite 4300
Building 4
Phone: 515-294-8420
Fax: 515-294-2642
fieldsw@ajiusa.com

Ajinomoto U.S.A.‘s operation in Ames, Iowa focuses on the application and product development of the food enzyme, transglutaminase. Branded under the name Activa™, microbial transglutaminase is an enzyme used to cross-link proteins and has an application in most protein-containing foods. In meat products, transglutaminase can act as a means to restructure trim into value-added products that are more easily portioned. In dairy products, transglutaminase can function to increase/improve texture of cheeses and yogurt. The facilities at the ISU Research Park are designed as a developmental space for existing and future transglutaminase uses. A flexible wet lab processing area and kitchen will be used in application development for both process and products containing transglutaminase. These research facilities will also be available for potential customers to visit and work on specific applications.

Ajinomoto U.S.A.’s parent, Ajinomoto Inc., is a multinational corporation and produces a variety of food and pharmaceutical fermentation products including MSG, nucleotides, and amino acids among other products and also manufactures and markets retail frozen foods in several countries.