When microalgae are usually produced, it’s both by means of photosynthesis in ponds or closed reactors, or in fermentation tanks with added sugar. Nonetheless, producing them by means of photosynthesis may be very labour intensive, usually producing low yields attributable to contaminations, and in fermentation tanks the absence of sunshine implies that numerous the elements, advantages and functionalities of the microalgae are misplaced.
Brevel’s course of is totally different. The Israel-based firm, which makes microalgae-based different proteins for the dairy trade, claims it is the primary firm globally to mix sugar-based fermentation and lightweight in a single course of. “We produce reasonably priced microalgae at very excessive yields that are wealthy with all the functionalities, elements and vitamins which can be solely produced within the presence of sunshine,” Yonatan Golan, CEO and Co-Founder, instructed FoodNavigator.
“The microalgae are grown in our distinctive fermentation+gentle reactors. They’re then harvested every day, separated from the water through which they grew after which we mechanically break the cell partitions. The biomass is then handed by means of a collection of processes to extract a number of totally different protein fractions in addition to co-products equivalent to lipids, pigments, fibres and extra.”
The sunshine can also be key to producing Brevel’s co-products. “Gentle allows the manufacturing of worthwhile co-products alongside protein which considerably enhance profitability and allow the value discount of protein to the extent that cost-parity with pea and even soy is feasible. These different worthwhile co-products are useful polar-lipids that are wonderful emulsifiers for the meals trade and are wanted in very massive portions, pigments and extra.”
Dairy non-milk
Brevel makes proteins for egg and dairy substitutes. Lots of the present different protein sources for plant-based dairy and egg, equivalent to soy and pea, are allergenic and have sturdy flavours, two issues which Brevel goals to keep away from with its protein.
“Brevel’s protein could be seamlessly included, considerably boosting dietary worth and enhancing texture with out compromising on style, color, or value,” Golan instructed us.
“Our protein focus comes as a dry powder which could be merely added on to formulations. Our companions immediately add it in several kinds – both immediately as powder, or apply some processes equivalent to homogenization, secondary fermentation, and many others. to extend its solubility, extract extra flavours and extra. This relies on their particular wants and preferences.
“The protein has a full amino-acid profile just like that of eggs, is non-allergenic, extremely soluble and with excessive digestibility.”
In addition to the dietary advantages, the protein has sturdy performance potential. It “acts as a superb emulsifier, can exchange eggs in merchandise like mayonnaise, as a foaming agent in pastries and different functions and we at the moment are diving deep into extra functionalities equivalent to gelation and binding.”
Even in style, based on Golan, it’s very well-suited to dairy merchandise. “Brevel’s protein has a really delicate flavour and color which makes it very appropriate for meals functions the place flavour masking just isn’t an possibility,” he mentioned, “principally plant-based dairy and egg options.”
Let there be gentle
Considered one of Brevel’s largest promoting factors is the excessive sustainability of its protein, even in comparison with different plant-based proteins.
“Microalgae are by far essentially the most sustainable supply of protein on this planet,” Golan instructed us. “In comparison with soy which is the main plant-based protein immediately, microalgae are 99.95% extra environment friendly when it comes to land, 67% extra environment friendly in GHG emissions and 55% extra environment friendly in water utilization.
“As a way to produce 1 ton of protein from beef, you want the equal of 230 soccer fields vs 5 soccer fields for a ton of soy protein. For comparability, a ton of microalgae protein would require solely a fraction of that at lower than one basketball court docket.”
After elevating $18.5 million in seed funding, led by NevaTeam Companions and supported by the European Union’s EIC Fund, the corporate plans to broaden its manufacturing capability from 500 to 5000 litres, finally planning a 900,000 litre facility by 2025.
It is usually collaborating with joint-venture companions in Europe, the US, the UAE and elsewhere in Asia to construct extra factories.
“The funds raised will likely be used to supply an alternate protein that’s neutral-tasting, useful, extremely sustainable and reasonably priced to the mainstream meals trade,” Golan instructed us.
“Brevel is piloting with a wide range of meals producers worldwide to develop plant-based meals functions with Brevel’s protein. The primary merchandise incorporating Brevel’s protein inside are anticipated to be on cabinets throughout 2024.”
