Israeli-based food-tech company Solabia-Algatech Nutrition launched BioGlena, an ingredient that contains 55% content of β-glucan and also complete protein, essential vitamins, minerals and fatty acids.

BioGlena is obtained from microalgae Euglena gracilis through a proprietary fermentation process without solvents or additives. What also allows Algatech to use natural process is the particular structure of E. gracilis, explained Doron Safrai, CEO of Solabia-Algatech Nutrition in a press release. While in other natural sources, such as grains, yeast, and certain fungi, β-glucan is bound to the cell walls, therefore requiring harsh extraction procedures, in E. gracilis it's concentrated inside free-floating cells. 

The content of β-glucan in E. gracilis tends to vary greatly depending on growth condition and medium composition. To solve this challenge, Algatech developed a proprietary growth process that ensures a consistently high content of β-glucan of 55% and above. 

β-glucan is the name of a group of polysaccharides with a well-documented positive effect on the immune system. E. gracilis contains high level of a β-1,3-glucan called paramylon, which the microalga uses to survive in low-light environments. Paramylon is specifically recognized by immune cell receptors, and preclinical and clinical studies support the positive impact of this microalgae and its β-glucan on multiple aspects of immunity.

As a company source explained, β-glucans induce trained immunity, which occurs when they bind to immune cells, transforming them into primed cells. Prime cells, also called trained cells, are ready for action, but are non-active. When they encounter a pathogen, these primed cells respond more powerfully than non-primed cells, resulting in an enhanced immune response.

BioGlena comes in powder form and is a great fit for clean label suspended formulations. Potential applications include capsules, tablets, soft gels, gummies, sachets, dairy products, beverages and nutrition bars. It has a shelf life of three years and is also vegan, non-GMO, gluten- and allergen-free, kosher- and halal-certified and GRAS-approved.

Read more on: https://www.algatech.com/