Functional actives with proven health benefits, like curcumin, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol and vitamin D, are common across supplements, beverages and fortified foods. But their real-world impact is often limited by poor absorption. As fat-soluble compounds, only a small fraction of these nutrients reaches the bloodstream, meaning much of their potential is lost in transit.

AQUANOVA AG is addressing this problem with NovaSOL®, a patented micellization technology that works at the source. By surrounding oil-based nutrients with a water-compatible shell of pre-formed micelles, NovaSOL® mimics the body’s natural digestion process, transforming these actives into a format the body can recognise and absorb more readily. But science alone isn’t enough to bring a product to market. That’s why AQUANOVA AG pairs NovaSOL® with full-spectrum support, from formulation input to regulatory guidance and co-branding expertise, helping clients translate this innovation into shelf-ready success.

Each micelle, typically in the 30-nanometer-diameter range, is created through physical processing (non-chemical, non-nanotech) and stabilised using food-grade emulsifiers. This uniform structure surrounds lipophilic nutrients with a water-compatible shell, allowing them to remain evenly dispersed in the digestive tract and pass more easily through the intestinal lining, leading to significantly improved bioavailability. AQUANOVA AG has provided broad scientific evidence, e.g., for one of its major product lines, NovaSOL® Curcumin: Superior level and speed of absorption (up to 185 times) was confirmed in 4 gold standard human trials, which are published in peer-reviewed journals. This is one of the important reasons why so many b2b manufacturers for their private label products in the dietary supplement market rely on “powered by NovaSOL®”. Beyond bioavailability, research has underlined NovaSOL®´s safety and efficacy in real-world human populations. These trials are critical because they provide peer-reviewed, science-backed validation that supports product claims, regulatory compliance and credibility with both healthcare professionals and consumers.

“These micelles are already part of the ingredient when made; the body doesn’t have to create them during digestion. That takes the pressure off the digestive system and helps more of the nutrients get absorbed,” says Frank Behnam, CEO.

Structural precision like this gives brands a reliable foundation to develop products that perform as promised. By keeping plant- based actives fully dissolved and potent, it opens up opportunities for functional beverages that were previously off-limits, helping brands expand into new formats without compromising on performance.

For capsules, the challenge shifts from solubility to compatibility. Its low-leakage, consistent liquid fill is designed to work across soft gels, hard capsules and vegan formats. This gives product developers the freedom to focus on formulation goals, such as dosing, bioavailability, or speed to market, without being limited by delivery constraints.

Underpinning NovaSOL®’s technical performance is a targeted intellectual property strategy. Rather than relying on broad, easily bypassed protections, AQUANOVA secures ingredient-specific patents, like NovaSOL® Curcumin, ensuring both scientific rigour and commercial exclusivity. For brands, this means stronger regulatory positioning, clearer label claims and meaningful differentiation in a crowded market.

To reinforce this edge at the consumer level, AQUANOVA AG offers an optional “Powered by NovaSOL®” co-branding mark. It signals clinically validated absorption and trusted bioavailability, bringing transparency and trust to the shelf.

What truly drives adoption, however, is the before-and-after value customers experience. By replacing standard formulations with NovaSOL® micelles, many partners often see a measurable difference, not just in lab performance, but in consumer satisfaction, brand positioning and product success.

This efficiency has an environmental upside, too. Since NovaSOL® formulations improve absorption at lower dosages, partners can reduce raw material use without sacrificing efficacy. Fewer inputs mean lighter environmental footprints, a compelling advantage in an industry under increasing sustainability scrutiny.

AQUANOVA AG backs its work with globally recognised standards. ISO 22000 and FSSC 22000 certifications validate its rigorous food safety and process standards, reinforcing its position as both a scientific innovator and an operationally reliable partner.

To better support growing demand, AQUANOVA AG expanded its operations with its daughter company AQUANOVA NA Corp. in New York City. While production remains in Germany, the U.S. presence enables faster client engagement, localised expertise and a more agile route to market.

NovaSOL® gives brands a dependable way to deliver gut-friendly nutrition, formulations that are easier to consume, easier to absorb and easier to trust.