Maolac leverages AI for bio-functional proteins targeting gut and immune systems

25 Aug 2023 --- Israeli food tech company Maolac launches two ingredients for gut support and anti-inflammatory activities discovered with the company’s AI technology, Maoreka. Under the brand name Maolactin, the ingredients are bio-functional protein mixtures touted with benefits similar to those found in breast milk. 

“In both products, the combinations of proteins are designed with high similarity to human milk proteins, which ensures high effectiveness within low dosages,” Maya Ashkenazi Otmazgin, Maolac’s CEO and co-founder, tells Nutrition Insight. 

“Maolactin for Gut Support is a combination of proteins designed to reduce inflammation in the gut and, as such, improve the gut environment, allowing the microbial barrier to flourish and improving undesirable gastrointestinal symptoms and digestion processes.” 

“Maolactin for Anti-Inflammatory Activity is designed to boost the immune system, reduce unwanted inflammations, and improve muscle recovery after exercise. Healthy, trained and uninflamed muscles are the key to active and healthy lifestyles.” 

She adds that both products can be formulated in various functional foods, beverages and nutraceutical supplements.

AI in food 
The new ingredients were developed through Maolac’s generative AI technology, the Maoreka Protein Discovery Platform, which allows the company to identify distinct protein combinations for specific indications. Maolac can analyze proteins participating in metabolic or immunological pathways through the AI platform. 

Maya Ashkenazi Otmazgin, Maolac’s CEO and co-founder.“At Maolac, we recognized the remarkable benefits of breastmilk in promoting immune health and overall wellness,” continues Ashkenazi Otmazgin. “This recognition led us to craft Maoreka, a unique algorithm that leverages computational biology and generative AI to re-imagine the composition realized within breast milk.” 

“With Maoreka, we can create uniquely potent functional ingredients that can be integrated into any food or supplement,” says Ashkenazi Otmazgin. 

“Our technology works by mining scientific literature and identifying functional proteins with great potential for human benefit. Then, through learned patterns, the algorithm compares these potential proteins to human breast milk – our gold standard for functional nutrition.” 

Finally, Maoreka suggests protein combinations – several proteins working synergistically rather than a single active ingredient – to create Maolactin, the Maolac compositions. 

Ashkenazi Otmazgin continues: “We are investing heavily in continuously upgrading our AI capabilities to provide more targeted protein-based compositions from plant and animal sources.” 

Tailored protein mixtures 
Ashkenazi Otmazgin explains that each Maolactin product combines several active proteins, ensuring higher efficacy. 

The composition of Maolactin products is tailored for a specific indication, with proteins that are known to be active and beneficial in that area. Maolactin includes proteins that are at least 95% bio-similar to proteins found in human breast milk. 

“Maolac has developed a proprietary delivery system that helps our compositions be heat and pH-stable, making them ideal for any company looking to boost its portfolio with versatile, functional products or applications,” underscores Ashkenazi Otmazgin. 

The new Maolactin ingredients were discovered through Maolac's AI platform.“Unlike traditional products, our formulation products are designed to maintain the organoleptic properties of the final products, be they foods, beverages or nutraceutical supplements.” 

In 2022, Maolac raised US$3.2 million in seed funding to grow its portfolio. The company found it could extract proteins identical to those found in breast milk from bovine colostrum – a nutrient-rich milky fluid that comes from the udder of cows in the first few days after giving birth. 

Next steps 
Maolactin for Gut Support and Maolactin for Anti-Inflammatory Activity address a growing demand for natural, science-based, backed solutions for functional nutrition, notes Ashkenazi Otmazgin.

“These formulations have the potential to be successful new players in the growing market of nutritional supplements and functional foods aimed at promoting gut health and supporting athletic performance.” 

Currently, the company focuses on the North American market. Maolac has a self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US, which allows the company to begin commercializing in that market. 

Maolac is also entering into clinical trials for both ingredients. Ashkenazi Otmazgin hopes to share the results of these studies by next year. 

“Our journey is continuous evolution and innovation,” she concludes. “We are dedicated to advancing our research and technology, focusing on expanding our product portfolio. We have a pipeline of additional products from animal and plant-based sources, all to create personalized, functional nutrition to enhance the well-being of people everywhere.” 

By Jolanda van Hal