An artificial breast milk start-up that offers a green alternative to baby formula has received $3.5 (£2.8) million from an investment fund co-founded by Bill Gates. However, US firm BIOMILQ is working to artificially produce human breast milk from cultured human mammary epithelial cells on a commercially viable scale. An artificial breast milk start-up that offers a green alternative to baby formula has received $3.5 (£2.8) million from an investment fund co-founded by Bill Gates (stock image)THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FORMULA According to researchers at Imperial College London, advice on breast feeding often overlooks the environmental benefit of breast milk over that of formula. AdvertisementIn February, BIOMILQ showed a proof-of-concept for their artificial breast milk — demonstrating that they are able to produce both casein and lactose, proteins that are key components of real human breast milk. Dr Strickland was inspired to develop a better replacement for baby formula after her own struggles breastfeeding her son, she told Business Insider.

Source: Daily Mail June 19, 2020 09:27 UTC