Collaborative development of a fortifying functional food ingredient testing in industrial facilities and human trials

BioMara is a UK-based biotechnology startup building a cascading biorefinery platform utilising UK-sourced ocean-farmed seaweed biomass. Following a zero-waste approach, BioMara will utilise a residual biomass stream to produce an affordable and sustainable fortifying-functional food ingredient for common foods, which is rich in minerals, protein and fibre.

**NEED**

Innovative food production technologies and healthy food sources must be developed in research partnerships with universities and food manufacturers. Healthy alternatives or additive ingredients are needed for incorporation in common processed and convenience foods. Ingredients should be sourced from traceable and sustainable UK plant-based feedstocks to tackle nutritional challenges in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner.

**PROJECT AIMS**

This project leverages the functionality and nutrition profile of BioMara's high-volume residual-biomass to develop a healthy fortifying functional ingredient for incorporation into end-products such as bread, pastries and cakes. Product development in collaboration with Abertay University includes human trials in the universities state-of-the-art sensory laboratory. Collaboration with Macphie, a food ingredient manufacturer, incorporates the treated/processed seaweed ingredient into products using their pilot-scale kitchen and factory. This project will help meet the increasing demand for healthy, natural, plant-based, affordable foods in commonly eaten baked goods.

**OUTCOMES**

The project outcome is a fortifying functional food ingredient for common foods, such as bread-based products. Bread is a staple eaten by 99.8% of households (Kantar). Therefore, the new ingredient could improve the nutrition profile of millions affecting positive health outcomes throughout the UK population. The bespoke processing techniques retain the nutrition attributes of BioMara's residual biomass stream output, including minerals, protein and fibre.

**WIDER IMPACT**

Successful project outcomes de-risk plans to develop and commercialise a widely available versatile nutritional ingredient. This project will lead to job creation and job retention for project partners, economic gains for the UK and supply chain resilience. Economic benefits include reducing the burden on the NHS through health improvements. Social and economic impact includes stimulating and creating direct and indirect jobs, income diversification opportunities, more resilient coastal communities and support of government initiatives like Net-Zero. BioMara's foundational strategy is to positively influence the growth of an emerging UK seaweed industry by working with suppliers, coastal communities, academic institutions, and industry players in a thriving UK blue-bioeconomy. BioMara's underlying aim is to have a positive environmental impact, including carbon reduction and ocean regeneration. The seaweed industry development supports UN SDGs such as climate action and life below water (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 5, 7-15)_._