The speciality chemicals developer will celebrate the launch of its first enzyme-manufactured chemical product, a grapefruit flavour and scent, during 2018.

Oxford Biotrans, a UK-based speciality chemicals-focused spinout of University of Oxford, today received £2.1m ($2.8m) in a series A round led by commercialisation firm Touchstone Innovations.

University of Oxford also provided capital, as did Oxford Investment Consultants, which manages the investment vehicle Oxford Technology and Innovations EIS Fund. Perivoli Innovations, a fund operated by the philanthropic Perivoli Schools Trust, also took part.

Founded in 2013, Oxford Biotrans has developed enzyme processing techniques to produce high-value chemicals at a lower cost…