BioMara Hits Scale-Up Milestone for Thalivra Fucoidan at UK Bioprocessing Hub
- BioMara
- Feb 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Validated at Leading UK Bioprocessing Centre; Scientific Studies Advance with
Abertay University
BioMara, the UK-based seaweed biotechnology company, has successfully completed commercial-scale trials of its proprietary fucoidan extraction process at the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI)—the UK’s premier bioprocessing facility. This milestone marks a critical step toward market readiness for the company’s flagship fucoidan ingredient, Thalivra.
The trials validated BioMara’s process at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6–7, a key industry benchmark for pilot-scale demonstration in a relevant operational setting. As a result, BioMara is now equipped to produce commercial-grade fucoidan samples to meet increasing demand from nutraceutical and wellness sectors.
“We’re seeing solid demand for research-backed fucoidans as an ingredient in nutraceuticals and wellness,” said Jay Dignan, CEO of BioMara.
“Yet, supply remains limited—especially in the UK and Europe. Our successful scale-up at CPI shows that BioMara can fill this gap with a robust, high-quality process. Partners can now rely on us as a secure, UK-based fucoidan supplier.”
The process successfully scaled from 500L to 1,000L (1m³) using a full equipment
stack—without compromising on purity or performance. Compared to existing benchmarks, Thalivra achieved high yields and high purity without using harsh chemicals, positioning BioMara’s method as one of the most effective and clean fucoidan extraction systems in the Western market.
This scale-up milestone paves the way for commercial production partnerships with Contract Manufacturing Organisations (CMOs) and reduces risk in future rollout. About Thalivra: Fucoidan for Gut Health & Immunity Thalivra is BioMara’s high-purity fucoidan extract, sustainably derived from brown seaweed
and designed for natural applications in gut health, immune support, and functional foods.
Emerging data suggests Thalivra offers a range of bioactivities—antioxidant, antimicrobial, enzymatic inhibition, and prebiotic functions—making it an ideal candidate for inclusion in nutraceuticals and health-focused formulations.
Backed by Science: Project BioSWELL at Abertay University
Alongside its scale-up success, BioMara is investing in scientific validation through Project BioSWELL (Biotechnological Innovations for Optimised Seaweed Wellness and Economic Levelling-up).
Conducted in collaboration with Abertay University and supported by Innovate UK Launchpads, this three-phase study aims to confirm Thalivra’s bioactivity and bioavailability—a crucial step toward substantiating product claims.
Project BioSWELL – Three Stages of Scientific Validation:
Stage 1: Simulated Digestion (INFOGEST Protocol)
Using an internationally accepted in vitro digestion model to assess how Thalivra behaves in the human gastrointestinal tract.
Stage 2: Bioavailability Assessment (Caco-2 Cell Assay)
Modelling intestinal absorption to evaluate how well fucoidan is absorbed through the gut lining—critical for demonstrating efficacy.
Stage 3: Ex Vivo Microbiome Response
Testing both digested and undigested Thalivra on human gut microbiota to monitor production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which are strong indicators of gut health modulation. Designed for health. Backed by science. Made in Scotland. BioMara is positioning itself as a global leader in marine-derived wellness ingredients.
Editor Note:
What is TRL 6–7?
Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are used to assess the maturity of a technology. TRL 6 indicates pilot demonstration in a relevant environment, and TRL 7 signals prototype demonstration in an operational environment. TRL 9 is the highest level, indicating full commercial readiness.
Learn More
Visit www.biomara.tech to explore how BioMara’s seaweed innovation is shaping the future of wellness ingredients.
Contact us for partnership or product sample requests.
Coverage
