MB Klaipėdos projektai, headquartered at the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KMTP), is initiating a project of global significance. In collaboration with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), the objective is to develop a cutting-edge food supplement designed to detoxify the human body from phthalates and other lipophilic toxins. This is the first scientifically validated solution of its kind in the world.
Innovation author – Aistė Andriulė
The author of this breakthrough is Aistė Andriulė, Master of Geography, environmental project developer, founder of the Bloom for the Planet brand, and a doctoral student at Klaipėda University, researching air pollution in port cities, with a particular focus on industrial and transport emissions.
A long-time teacher and lecturer, A. Andriulė has always based her work on the idea that science should serve humanity. Not limiting herself to the field of environmental protection, Aistė is now expanding her activities to include human health protection – she has undertaken to develop a means of effectively removing phthalates from the body – toxic plastic particles that accumulate in our bodies.
Chemist Agnė Jucytė Čičinė’s scientific justification of the relevance of the topic became a fundamental incentive for Aistė and gave her the determination to pursue the implementation of this idea. As the project developed, the cooperation of LSMU scientists and the constant support of Roma Stubrienė, director of the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park, played a particularly important role.
There are no analogues in the world
According to LSMU scientists, there is currently no scientifically proven preparation in the world that can effectively remove phthalates from the human body. This problem is relevant throughout the world, especially in the US, where phthalate pollution is particularly high.
Phthalates are plasticizers used in the manufacture of plastic products. These products include bottles, food packaging, toys, cosmetics, and medical devices. These particles are not firmly bound to plastic, so they easily enter the environment, water, air, food, and ultimately the human body.
These substances cause hormonal imbalances, asthma, and cancer, accumulate in the food chain, and pose a threat to the environment. One of the most dangerous phthalates, DEHP, has already been included in the EU’s list of priority hazardous substances.
Science-based solution
The project “Development of an advanced food supplement for phthalate detoxification” is based on scientific research, during which human digestive tract conditions will be modeled in the laboratory to evaluate the effectiveness of various natural compounds, such as chitosan, activated carbon, and others—in binding phthalates.
Chitosan, the main ingredient in the supplement, is a natural polysaccharide derived from crustacean shells that binds toxins in the intestine and helps remove them from the body. It is hoped that the formula will not only help cleanse the body of microplastics, but also become a new standard in the field of detoxification.
From nature – for people and the environment
According to Aistė Andriulė, this decision was born out of a deep love for nature: “I always wanted to leave something meaningful behind – to be remembered not only as a scientist, but also as an innovator. All my work is related to environmental protection, so I naturally moved from environmental issues to human health. Everything we need can be found in nature – we just need to see it and back it up with science.”
Long-time lecturer Aistė Andriulė entered the business world after participating in the business development program “Verslo skrydis” (Business Flight). Her acquaintance with Roma Stubrienė, director of the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KMTP), which began during the eight-month program, proved decisive – the activity was moved to the park’s premises. In just one year since MB Klaipėdos Projektai was established at KMTP, Aistė’s initiative has grown into an international scientific project.
Having become an active member of the KMTP community, Aistė began to delve into one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time – the impact of phthalates on human health and the environment. Together with a team of colleagues, she developed a hypothesis that this area is still underdeveloped scientifically, even though the problem is global.
Aistė A.’s path to success is an inspiring example for anyone who doubts the success of their ideas. Her story also confirms that the development of innovation requires a favorable environment – one that not only supports but also helps to move forward in a focused manner. We are proud that this project was born in the Klaipėda Science and Technology Park – a space where science, innovation and belief in the future come together.
Project scope and significance
Project title Development of an advanced food supplement for phthalate detoxification
Duration June 2025 – June 2026
Project value EUR 200,848
EU funding EUR 152,639
Funded under the Inostart measure.
The project not only addresses one of today’s most important environmental and health challenges, but also has a clear commercial focus – in the long term, the food supplement will be tested on humans.
