Nova Mentis Introduces Fermentation-Derived Hydroxytyrosol Ingredient

Biotechnology company Nova Mentis launched Polyphenol-HT1, a hydroxytyrosol ingredient made using precision fermentation rather than extraction from olives.¹ The launch, announced September 16, 2026, gives supplement and nutrition brands another sourcing option for a polyphenol long associated with the Mediterranean diet, the company explains.

“Hydroxytyrosol has a compelling story that connects decades of research around the Mediterranean diet with some of the biggest priorities shaping nutrition today, including healthy aging, cardiovascular health and cellular resilience,” stated Matt Braman, vice president of sales, Nova Mentis. “With HT1, we’re taking that science forward through precision fermentation and giving product developers a new way to incorporate hydroxytyrosol into next-generation nutritional products.”

Hydroxytyrosol is a phenolic compound found in olives and olive oil that has drawn research attention for its antioxidant activity and its role in protecting cells and lipids from oxidative damage. According to Nova Mentis, hydroxytyrosol has been the subject of more than 800 published studies, and the company notes that a 2011 European Food Safety Authority statement recognized a cardioprotective claim tied to the compound's antioxidant properties.²

What Makes HT1 Different From Other Hydroxytyrosol Sources?

Hydroxytyrosol is extracted from olives, a process that can introduce batch-to-batch variability and impurities. Nova Mentis is positioning HT1 as an alternative: a fermentation-derived ingredient the company describes as reaching purity levels of 98% or higher, produced through a patented biotechnological process rather than agricultural extraction.

Kevin O’ Connor, chief science officer, Nova Mentis explained the benefits offered by the approach. “Precision fermentation allows us to rethink how important nutritional compounds can be produced,” O’Connor said. “Rather than being limited by traditional agricultural extraction, we can focus on delivering a defined highly pure bioactive with the consistency and scalability that today’s product developers require.”

What Does "Precision Fermentation" Actually Mean?

Nova Mentis describes its process as precision fermentation, a term that covers a range of underlying methods. As reporting in Nutritional Outlook has noted, the narrowest and most technical definition of precision fermentation involves engineering a host organism—often yeast—to act as a production system for a single targeted molecule, distinguishing it from conventional fermentation's mixed biological output or biomass fermentation, in which the cultivated cells themselves are the end product.³

That distinction matters for ingredient buyers evaluating supply-chain claims. Fermentation tends to offer the clearest advantage for larger, complex molecules that are difficult to replicate through chemistry, while smaller, simpler compounds can often still be produced competitively through conventional methods.

Where Does HT1 Fit in the Healthy Aging Market?

Nova Mentis is marketing HT1 primarily toward healthy aging, cardiovascular health, and cellular health formulations, important categories as the industry's focus broadens from lifespan to healthspan. The company also lists potential applications in metabolic wellness, beauty-from-within, gut health, and cognitive support.

The company frames the launch as the first phase of a broader effort to build out hydroxytyrosol as an ingredient platform, including additional formulation and scientific support work. It offers technical and safety data sheets to prospective customers through its website.

“We believe hydroxytyrosol has an opportunity to become much more prominent within the nutritional products industry,” Braman added. “HT1 brings together the heritage of the Mediterranean diet, the growing science around hydroxytyrosol and the capabilities of precision fermentation. That combination gives us an exciting platform for where nutrition is heading next.”

References

1. Nova Mentis. Nova Mentis launches Polyphenol-HT1, a next-generation hydroxytyrosol ingredient produced through precision fermentation. September 16, 2026. Accessed September 16, 2026.
2. Polyphenol-HT1. Nova Mentis website. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://novamentis.eu/polyphenol-ht1 
3. Saraceno N. Inside the fermentation spectrum. Nutritional Outlook. July 31, 2026. Accessed September 16, 2026. https://www.nutritionaloutlook.com/view/inside-fermentation-spectrum