Aker BioMarine, a biotech and krill harvesting company, has recently received its first patent allowance for its PL+ DHA/EPA delivery technology platform. This PL+ formulation, launched in late 2022, uses natural marine phospholipids to improve the uptake of other ingredients in a formulation. It enhances solubility in both fats and water, acts as an emulsifier, and boosts absorption to improve supplement uptake according to Aker BioMarine.
This new patent application specifically protects the PL+ EPA/DHA technology, which combines krill phospholipids with EPA and DHA from processed fish oil. The patent highlights the enhanced emulsions created by the combination of krill phospholipids and added ethyl esters or triglycerides, which are believed to be crucial for improving the absorption of EPA and DHA in the stomach. The patent also outlines specific features of the lipid formulations, such as a certain percentage of total phospholipids and DHA and/or EPA in ethyl ester form to form emulsions with desirable droplet sizes in the stomach.
Simon Seward, CEO of Human Health Ingredients, commented on the patent, emphasizing how it showcases Aker BioMarine’s innovative advancements in the industry. He highlighted the importance of personalization and combination products for consumers in today’s market. Seward also mentioned that the PL+ technology can help reduce fish oil formula integration, increase bioavailability, enhance consumer experience, and enable new innovations in the health category, especially during times of fish oil supply and demand challenges.