BK bio, South Korea
Revolutionising Health Ingredients with PEF
About BK bio
BK bio is a trailblazer in functional health ingredients, combining natural resources with advanced biotechnology.
Founded in 2000 on Jeju Island, Korea, the company pursues its mission to “create a healthy future through safe and innovative biotechnology.”
BK bio develops premium raw materials for functional foods, beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, supplying both domestic and international markets. Its Jeju-based facility integrates state-of-the-art processing technologies, including Pulsed Electric Field (PEF), to ensure high-quality, safe, and functional ingredients.
Operating an Elea 5 kW pipe system for extraction and inactivation at BK bio.
A Decade of Collaboration
BK Bio is also Elea’s official business partner, operating across South Korea and throughout Asia, including Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, China, and Uzbekistan. With over a decade of experience pioneering the application of PEF to functional health ingredients, BK Bio stands out for its scientific innovation and dedication to advancing health and wellbeing.
Elea provides dependable technology and technical expertise to support their work, making this collaboration a strong example of innovation in action. We are proud to work alongside BK Bio and deeply value them as a trusted partner whose inventive approach continues to demonstrate the remarkable potential of PEF technology in sustainable production and health solutions.
Elea PEF Advantage B10 320 at BK bio.
Why Choose PEF?
BK bio turned to PEF after recognising its potential to preserve natural quality while enhancing the extraction of valuable compounds. Conventional heat treatments were useful for microbial control but caused losses in texture and functional components.
PEF offered a breakthrough: as a non-thermal technology, it gently disrupts cell membranes, balancing quality preservation with higher yields of active ingredients. This prompted BK bio to install Korea’s first industrial-scale PEF system and begin full-scale research into food pasteurisation, extraction, and production efficiency.
Today, BK bio operates an Elea PEF Advantage B10-320 system for solid food material treatment and a 5 kW PEF pipe system for liquid extraction and microbial inactivation. Notably, the 5 kW pipe system — one of Elea’s earliest models — is still in active use in Elea’s own pilot hall, highlighting its proven reliability.
Products Enhanced by PEF
BK bio applies PEF across a wide range of natural raw materials, combining scientific innovation with practical benefits:
Broccoli – PEF boosts extraction of glucosinolates, supporting detoxification and liver health (Broccoli Extract).
Broccoli sprouts – Rich in sulforaphane, PEF enhances release and bioavailability of this antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound (Broccoli Sprout Extract).
Green tea – PEF improves catechin preservation and extraction, supporting cardiovascular and cognitive benefits (Green Tea Extract).
Citrus juice – PEF pasteurisation preserves flavour and nutrients (Citrus & Juice Facility).
Carrot juice – PEF maintains colour, taste, and bioactive compounds (Carrot Juice Research).
Seaweed & medicinal herbs – Patented methods use PEF to disrupt cell membranes for improved extraction of liver-support and hair-growth ingredients (Seaweed Extract).
Cabbage lactic acid bacteria – PEF supports probiotic stability for immune and body fat management (LAB from Cabbage).
Science Meets Sustainability
BK bio’s bio-lab is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for preprocessing, extraction, concentration, sterilisation, and commercialisation using PEF. Clinical trials are underway to validate the functionality of PEF-extracted compounds, with the aim of achieving recognition as certified health functional food ingredients.
A major milestone was becoming the first company in Korea to receive Green Technology Certification for PEF. This government-backed certification, operated by the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIT), recognises technologies that contribute to low-carbon, green growth. It provides a clear framework for investment support and highlights PEF as a sustainable innovation.
For BK bio’s partners and customers, this means assurance that the company’s ingredients are scientifically validated and developed with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility.