ExCulture, a biotech spin out of TU Delft is developing an animal-free alternative to heparin (anticoagulant) using its patent-pending microbial bioprocess. Used in millions of surgeries and treatments each year, heparin is a critical anticoagulant (blood thinner) on the WHO’s list ofessential medicines. However, its current production method relies heavily on animal sources, as it is produced from the mucosal lining of pig intestines. This introduces safety risks, ethical concerns, and global supply vulnerabilities. ExCulture’s next-gen heparin offers a more secure, sustainable and ethically-sound alternative to heparin.