Brevel disrupts nutraceutical market with world-first ‘illuminated’ chlorella

Microalgae pioneer Brevel is set to transform the supplement sector with the launch of Purallis, a clean-label chlorella produced through a proprietary “illuminated fermentation” process.

By bringing light into the traditionally dark world of industrial fermentation, the Israeli food-tech firm claims it has solved the persistent industry bottlenecks of purity, scale, and sensory appeal.

The launch comes at a critical time for the global chlorella market, which is projected to grow from $328 million to nearly $486 million by the early 2030s, driven by a surge in demand for plant-based detoxifying agents and nutrient-dense superfoods.

Historically, chlorella sourcing has been a balancing act. Approximately 90% of the world’s supply is grown in outdoor freshwater ponds, where the algae can act as a “bio-accumulator,” soaking up heavy metals and pollutants from the surrounding environment. While some producers moved to indoor “dark” fermentation to ensure purity, removing light often compromised the algae’s nutritional density and vibrant chlorophyll content.

Brevel’s breakthrough technology unites these two worlds. By integrating light directly into sterile, closed-system bioreactors, the company can produce high-yield, standardised chlorella that is ultra-pure and rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and a complete amino acid profile.

“Our illuminated fermentation platform is instrumental in helping ease the strain on the supply of ultra-pure chlorella,” explained Yonatan Golan, co-founder and CEO of Brevel. “We are the first company to unite these two processes and bring fermentation out of the dark.”

Beyond standard supplementation, Brevel is positioning Purallis as a tool for the burgeoning GLP-1 (weight-loss medication) market. As consumers on reduced-calorie diets seek to maximise the nutrient density of every bite, chlorella’s 50% protein content and rich iron levels offer an ideal solution.

Yfah Burstin, chief business officer at Brevel, noted that the ingredient functions as a “precision prebiotic,” supporting gut health by correcting microbial imbalances. “We call it GLP-1 friendly food,” Burstin added, highlighting its ability to fill nutritional gaps for active lifestyles and healthy aging.

One of the primary hurdles for chlorella in the food trade has been its rigid, indigestible cell wall. While many manufacturers use harsh chemicals or high heat to “crack” the cell, Brevel has opted for a physical bead-mill process. This mechanical approach opens the cells to release their nutrients into the liquid matrix without compromising the ingredient’s clean-label status.

The resulting product boasts a mild flavour profile — a significant advantage for formulators who have traditionally struggled with the “grassy” or “fishy” notes associated with pond-grown algae.

With industrial-scale operations now active, Brevel is offering year-round availability of Purallis in volumes ranging from pilot batches to global commercial quantities. The facility operates under HACCP and FSSC 22000 standards and holds Kosher, Halal, and non-GMO certifications.