Mr. Lee discussed the challenges faced along the way, including navigating the aftermath of a bankrupt manufacturing company during the Korean International Monetary Fund crisis in the 1990s and addressing market indifference. Despite these obstacles, the company persevered, achieving technological advancements like the development of amino acid-infused soluble calcium from tuna fish bones and a low-sodium salt to reduce sodium intake and lower high blood pressure. However, both products encountered commercial challenges, particularly regarding pricing.
A turning point in the company’s journey was Mr. Lee’s strategic realization of the true goal of reducing sodium intake: preventing cardiovascular diseases. This led to a shift in focus toward the amino acid GABA, known for its blood pressure-lowering and sleep-improving qualities. Mr. Lee’s expertise in lactic acid bacteria fermentation culminated in creating the “lacto GABA salt,” the world’s first of its kind, with a high GABA concentration, offering health benefits and improved taste.
Mr. Lee highlighted the unique feature of this salt: its ability to lower blood pressure without restricting consumption, unlike regular salt. Its effectiveness has been proven through extensive testing and has gained international recognition. He emphasized the company’s commitment to human health and environmental responsibility, particularly in choosing microplastic-free refined salt from seawater as the primary raw material.
This interview with Bae-Jin Lee not only sheds light on Marine Bioprocess’s groundbreaking products but also reflects the company’s enduring commitment to innovation, health, and sustainability.
Advancing Health Innovations: Focus on GABA and Fermentation
Mr. Lee Bae-Jin shared insights into the company’s innovative foray into health enhancement through lactic acid bacteria fermentation, particularly focusing on GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Mr. Lee, whose doctoral research in engineering centered on GABA, an amino acid discovered over 70 years ago, has been instrumental in pioneering its application. He discussed fermenting seaweed, especially kelp, with lactic acid bacteria to increase GABA concentrations. Recognizing the varied benefits of GABA, including stress reduction, improved sleep, fatigue alleviation, and blood pressure regulation, Mr. Lee expressed his confidence in GABA’s potential for incorporation into novel health products.
Mr. Lee elaborated on their continued commitment to exploring unconventional raw materials for commercializing new substances. He highlighted one such successful venture, “Ultra High,” a product derived from a unique substance named “FGO: Fermented Growth Oyster.” This product, resulting from the fermentation of oysters with lactic acid bacteria, has shown promising results. Mr. Lee shared insights from clinical trials involving children and menopausal women that confirmed the benefits of FGO. Notably, FGO has shown potential in improving bone health in women suffering from osteoporosis, marking an expansion of its utility beyond its initial focus on children.
Charting the Course of Innovation
Mr. Lee discussed the company’s impressive 18-year journey since its establishment in 2005. He talked about the unwavering persistence and relentless innovation that have been the hallmarks of their progress. As the driving force behind the company, Mr. Lee’s dedication to developing exceptional products through pioneering technology reflects the core values of Marine Bioprocess.Mr. Lee elaborated on Marine Bioprocess’s two research institutes, which mirror the company’s philosophy. One is located within Pukyong National University’s Department of Food Engineering, specializing in seaweed fermentation. The other is situated within the Marine Biological Industry Promotion Center, focusing on extracting functional materials from seaweed. These institutes are a testament to the company’s dedication to research and development.
Sharing insights into the company’s ongoing clinical trials, Mr. Lee pointed out how Marine Bioprocess takes a distinctive path compared to larger corporations, which might avoid intricate developments. He highlighted “gabalagen,” his latest innovation, a low-molecular-weight collagen peptide enriched with GABA through fermentation, which has sparked international trademark rights applications. This development further establishes Marine Bioprocess as a trailblazer in the industry.
In the interview, Mr. Lee reiterated his steadfast commitment to Marine Bioprocess’s foundational principles as the company continues to expand. He stressed the importance of maintaining their research-driven approach and willingness to embrace challenges. His words reaffirmed the company’s dedication to its core values and ongoing commitment to developing superior products aimed at improving global health.
