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Microalgae innovator Brevel, Ltd. has announced the commercial availability of Purallis™, a clean-label chlorella specifically developed for the nutraceutical and functional food sectors. Produced using a proprietary "illuminated fermentation" biomanufacturing platform, the ingredient seeks to address long-standing industry challenges regarding the purity, consistency, and heavy metal contamination often associated with traditional outdoor pond cultivation.

Addressing the Chlorella Supply Chain Risk

Approximately 90% of the global chlorella supply is currently grown in freshwater ponds, environments where the algae can act as a bioaccumulator, binding to pollutants and heavy metals from the surrounding air and water. This susceptibility has historically forced manufacturers to implement rigorous, often costly, testing for pesticides and microbial contaminants.

"The strict requirements for purity and safety have tended to strain the supply of this ingredient," stated Yonatan Golan, co-founder and CEO of Brevel. The company’s move to an indoor, closed-system bioreactor model is designed to provide a consistent, ultra-pure alternative that meets modern pharmaceutical and nutraceutical standards.

Technical Innovation: "Illuminating" the Fermentation Process

Brevel’s core technological advancement lies in its ability to combine light with traditional fermentation in a sterile environment. While fermentation is typically a dark process capable of high yields, chlorella requires light to generate its specific nutrient profile, including chlorophyll and antioxidants.

Key technical features of the Purallis™ production include:

• Integrated Light Systems: Enables high-yield fermentation while maintaining the microalgae’s nutritional integrity.

• Mechanical Extraction: To overcome the indigestible cell wall of chlorella, Brevel utilises a bead mill to physically open the cells. This mechanical process avoids the use of high heat or harsh chemicals.

• Standardisation: The closed system allows for specific nutritional adjustments, such as optimising iron levels for particular formulations.

GLP-1 and Functional Foods

The launch comes at a time of significant growth for the chlorella market, which is projected to reach USD 486 million by the early 2030s. Beyond general wellness, Brevel is positioning Purallis™ as a "GLP-1 friendly food."

As consumers on GLP-1 medications or reduced-calorie diets require higher nutrient density per calorie, chlorella—composed of 50% protein and rich in B vitamins, omega-3s, and iron—serves as a strategic tool to fill nutritional gaps. Yfah Burstin, Chief Business Officer for Brevel, also noted the ingredient's potential as a "precision prebiotic" to support gut lining health and microbial balance.

Scalability and Compliance

Following a USD 25 million seed funding round and the opening of its first commercial plant in 2025, Brevel has transitioned to industrial-scale operations. The facility operates under internationally recognised standards, including HACCP and FSSC 22000, and the Purallis™ ingredient is certified kosher, halal, and non-GMO.

This industrial capacity is intended to provide a reliable year-round supply for global commercial quantities, catering to sports nutrition, healthy ageing, and the burgeoning plant-based protein alternative market.