EAGAN, Minn. — March 6, 2002 - Allen F. Porter has joined Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Commercial Markets Group and International.

He is responsible for worldwide sales of the company's carbohydrate ingredient products to commercial customers, which may include manufacturers of consumer products, water treatment products, dietary supplements, cosmetics, and biodegradable packaging. In addition, Mr. Porter will be responsible for sales of the company's retail consumer products to all markets outside of the U.S.

Biopolymer Engineering is a leading biotechnology company in the field of complex carbohydrates. The company harnesses the power of natural carbohydrates or biopolymers to create products whose unique properties have a wide range of commercial and pharmaceutical applications. At present, Biopolymer Engineering is focused on four primary biopolymers: chitin, chitosan, glucosamine and beta glucan.

Mr. Porter has nearly 20 years of sales and marketing experience in biotechnology based food ingredients and the natural products industry; including nutraceuticals, functional foods and food ingredients. His business experience includes a number of senior level positions in the U.S., Latin America and Europe.

"Allen has a keen understanding of the needs of commercial customers in the bulk ingredient natural products business," said Richard G. Mueller, Biopolymer Engineering President and Chief Executive Officer. "He is a great addition to our team."

Previously, Mr. Porter was Director of Sales for Europe, Asia and Latin America at PharmaNutrients, Inc. where he established and expanded the dietary supplement company's international distribution system. Before that, he was Commercial Director of Mexama, the Mexican division of the Food Ingredients Division of Haarmann & Reimer Corp., a wholly owned company of the Bayer Corporation.

Biopolymer Engineering, Inc. is a leading biotechnology company in the field of natural complex carbohydrates or biopolymers. The company is developing carbohydrate-based products for a wide range of therapeutic, consumer and industrial applications. Founded in 1997 and based in Eagan, Minnesota, the company has built a strong technology platform supported by more than 200 U.S. and international patents covering its carbohydrate-based products.