Brevel launches illuminated fermentation chlorella for nutraceutical market

Brevel has introduced Purallis, a clean-label chlorella cultivated indoors using its proprietary illuminated fermentation platform, targeting supply challenges in the growing nutraceutical sector.

• Brevel has launched Purallis, a chlorella ingredient produced via illuminated fermentation in closed, sterile bioreactors.

• The platform combines light and fermentation to deliver standardized, contaminant-controlled chlorella with high protein and micronutrient density.

• The global chlorella market is valued at approximately US$328 million and is projected to reach US$486 million in the early 2030s.

Chlorella is traditionally cultivated in freshwater ponds using sunlight. Around 90% of global supply remains pond-grown, with the remainder produced in closed fermentation systems, primarily in Europe. As a known bioaccumulator, chlorella can bind to pollutants and heavy metals present in water and air, requiring strict environmental controls and routine testing to ensure product safety.

“The strict requirements for purity, consistency, and safety have tended to strain supply of this ingredient,” said Yonatan Golan, Co-founder & CEO of Brevel. “Our illuminated fermentation platform is instrumental in helping ease the strain on the supply of ultra-pure, highly nutritious chlorella in a consistent manner.”

Brevel’s technology combines light exposure with fermentation in a closed, sterile system. While fermentation is traditionally conducted in dark environments, the company integrates controlled light into the process to support nutrient development while maintaining high production yields.

The company adapted its platform to cultivate chlorella in response to increasing demand for plant-based nutritional ingredients in food, wellness, and cosmeceutical applications.

“Our clean-label Purallis chlorella is cultivated in fully controlled, sterile bioreactors, eliminating any risk of contaminants or heavy metals,” said Yfah Burstin, Chief Business Officer for Brevel. “Thanks to the integrated light, it delivers premium chlorella that is exceptionally rich in complete protein, antioxidants, and chlorophyll. Moreover, the concentrated light extends nutrient density and functionality, while delivering a very mild flavor. For example, it can adjust iron levels for optimized formulations.”

Chlorella has a thick, rigid cell wall composed of cellulose and sporopollenin, which limits digestibility. To address this, Brevel uses a bead mill to mechanically break the cell walls and release intracellular nutrients into a liquid matrix. The company stated that this physical process avoids the use of harsh chemicals or high temperatures.

The broader chlorella market is experiencing renewed growth, driven by rising demand for plant-based and sustainable health products. Currently valued at approximately US$328 million, projections suggest the market could reach US$486 million in the early 2030s.

Chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) contains approximately 50% protein and provides a full spectrum of amino acids, alongside B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals, fiber, carotenoids, chlorophyll, and polyphenols.

“Chlorella is a highly versatile and sustainable ingredient with relevance to various wellness categories,” said Burstin. “Recent research revealed that in some persons, chlorella can function as a ‘precision prebiotic’ that could help correct specific microbial imbalances via powerful polysaccharide compounds, supporting beneficial bacteria that keep the gut lining healthy. It also could serve as a strategic nutritional tool for filling protein and nutrient gaps in GLP-1 and other reduced-calorie diets where users must be sure they are getting more from every bite they consume. We call it GLP-1 friendly food.”

Brevel stated that Purallis can be incorporated into functional foods and beverages, supplements, and active lifestyle nutrition products. The company reported that its industrial-scale operations enable year-round production and standardized supply volumes from pilot to commercial scale.

“Our industrial-scale operations ensure year-round availability of standardized, high value chlorella, delivering reliable supply and meeting demand at any volume, from pilot to global commercial quantities,” said Golan. “Brevel Purallis is produced in facilities operated under internationally recognized standards, including HACCP, FSSC 22000 and is certified kosher, halal, and non-GMO.”