Cevena Bioproducts Founders Honored for Extraction Process

EDMONTON, Alberta—Thava Vasanthan and Feral Temelli, founders of Cevena Bioproducts Inc., received the 2005 AVAC/Dow Agrosciences/ASTech Innovation in Agricultural Science prize for their technology that concentrates beta-glucan, resulting in the patented Cevena product Viscofiber®. The annual award is presented for demonstrating exceptional innovation or development of a technology of significance to Alberta’s agriculture and agrifood industries.

According to Kimmo Lucas, chief executive officer (CEO) and president of Cevena Bioproducts, the patented technology retains the structure of beta-glucan during extraction, retaining its health benefits.

“Beta-glucan, a naturally occurring soluble fiber, is known to lower cholesterol,” Lucas said. “Viscofiber’s superiority is due to its optimal high molecular weight (giving it viscosity) and high concentration. This makes it possible for food companies to add smaller volumes of betaglucan to their products to achieve the desired health benefits.”

For more information, visit www.cevena.com or Booth #5077 at SupplySide West.