Seaweed Extract Set for Gut Health Study in Groundbreaking University Collaboration
- BioMara
- Mar 1
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Aberystwyth University to lead dietary trial on BioMara’s Thalivra fucoidan extract
with support from UKRI
In a new research initiative aimed at tackling diet-related health issues, scientists at
Aberystwyth University are preparing to test the gut health benefits of a seaweed-based extract developed by marine biotechnology company BioMara.
The research centres on Thalivra, a bioactive extract rich in fucoidan—a compound isolated from seaweed cell walls using BioMara’s proprietary extraction technology. Fucoidan is increasingly studied for its ability to support gut microbiome balance, immune health, and inflammation reduction.
Sustainably sourced from brown seaweed harvested in the UK, Thalivra could offer a science-backed, natural solution for gut health challenges affecting millions globally.
“Seaweed contains different compounds to land plants, some of which have distinct bioactivities, such as fucoidan,” said Dr Jessica Adams, seaweed expert at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), Aberystwyth University.
“We’ll be producing a new food-grade extract of fucoidan at scale and exploring its potential in the nutraceutical market, with the goal of benefiting global health and wellbeing.”
Science Meets Solutions: Why Gut Health Matters
Unhealthy diets are a major contributor to chronic disease, obesity, and malnutrition. In the UK, over half of people aged 45+ live with diet-related health conditions, placing immense pressure on the NHS.
Fucoidan offers a novel dietary route for gut health support, and Thalivra stands out due to its high purity, sustainability, and retained bioactivity, unlike many traditionally processed extracts.
This UKRI-funded study, part of a wider £2.5 million initiative led by Innovate UK and
BBSRC, will focus on developing methods for an initial human dietary trial of Thalivra.
The Well-being and Assessment Research Unit at Aberystwyth University’s Department of Life Sciences, together with IBERS, will lead the formulation and testing process in food-safe facilities.
“At BioMara, we see fucoidan as one of nature’s most potent bioactives,” said Jay Dignan, CEO of BioMara.
“Our collaboration with Aberystwyth will help us understand Thalivra’s impact on gut health more deeply. It’s shown real promise in preclinical research, and we’re excited to advance toward clinical trials.”
A Model for Innovation in Nutrition
The study is part of a growing wave of academic–industry collaboration intended to tackle some of the UK’s most urgent public health challenges through food innovation.
“Access to affordable, healthy, and sustainable diets is essential—not just for people, but for the planet,” said Dr Andy Cureton, Director of AgriFood Systems at Innovate UK.
“Collaboration between academia and industry accelerates innovation and enables
discoveries to become real-world solutions that benefit public health.”
Learn More
Visit www.biomara.tech
Coverage:
