Cevena Bioproducts Founders Honored for Extraction Process

Cevena Bioproducts Founders Honored for Extraction Process

EDMONTON, AlbertaThavaVasanthan and Feral Temelli, founders of Cevena Bioproducts Inc., received the2005 AVAC/Dow Agrosciences/ASTech Innovation in Agricultural Science prize fortheir technology that concentrates beta-glucan, resulting in the patented Cevenaproduct Viscofiber®. The annual award is presented for demonstratingexceptional innovation or development of a technology of significance to Albertasagriculture and agrifood industries.

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

Beta-glucan, a naturally occurring soluble fiber, is knownto lower cholesterol, Lucas said. Viscofibers superiority is due to itsoptimal high molecular weight (giving it viscosity) and high concentration. Thismakes it possible for food companies to add smaller volumes of betaglucan totheir products to achieve the desired health benefits.

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