Project: Pilot scale Production And pre-Market Evaluation of a Cosmetic ingredient from a marine microalga

Goal & Objectives_x000D_This project will develop a novel functional cosmetic ingredient derived from a previously unexploited marine microalga. This will be the first commercial production of the microalga and the first commercial product from the microalga. The project, if successful, will support the business case to allow the Ps to implement full-scale production of a novel high-value cosmetic skin-care ingredient. This will be the Ps’ first commercial product in this market sector._x000D__x000D_This goal will be achieved by implementing pilot scale production and by carrying out comprehensive product evaluation required for regulatory approval and market entry. The project objectives are to establish a cost-effective production mechanism, and a full package of regulatory documentation and technical marketing materials. The project will be an important demonstration of the technology of both Ps: GlycoMar’s functional molecules and MicroA’s photobioreactor (PBR) technology for sustainable microalgae production._x000D__x000D_Background_x000D_The product is a polysaccharide produced from a marine microalga. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is being developed for the cosmetic ingredient market. GlycoMar, the lead P, discovered the product through its screening of polysaccharides produced by marine microalgae, as part of its anti-inflammatory discovery programme. GlycoMar identified the product as having potential benefit in skincare, and that it could meet market demand for novel natural ingredients. A patent application has been filed for the product. The production process has been developed through a successful feasibility study conducted in collaboration with the P, MicroA. during 2012/13. The feasibility study met its objectives and gives the Ps confidence to proceed to pilot production and market entry._x000D__x000D_Technical & Market Applications_x000D_MicroA will establish a pilot plant to develop commercial production of the microalga and the polysaccharide product. The microalga will be cultivated using MicroA's patented PBR system at 1000 litre scale. Harvesting and down stream processing will be carried out on a batch or semi-batch basis at MicroA's PBR facility. The pilot plant will be operated for 12 months with these aims: provide product for functional evaluation, technoeconomic assessment of production, and optimisation of production bottlenecks. MicroA and Glycomar will analyse all product batches to ensure that product quality complies with specification produced during the feasibility study._x000D__x000D_GlycoMar will carry out depolymerisation, formulation and functional evaluation of the product. The polysaccharide manufactured by MicroA will be depolymerised to a lower molecular weight polysaccharide (LMWPS, the product) by GlycoMar, to make it is suitable for a skin-care. The product will be formulated for cosmetic skin care use. The product will be evaluated for skin care cosmetic use with the aim of providing data that will support technical marketing and regulatory approval of the product. The product will be evaluated through in vitro skin-equivalent models to determine: safety, soothing, anti-ageing and regenerating, and hydrating properties._x000D__x000D_The Ps will conduct a full technoeconomic assessment of the production process. Glycomar will carry out a detailed market assessment to confirm the market value of the product and to identify the best route into the market, including target distribution Ps._x000D__x000D_The biomass by-product of the project will be valorised as a larval feed for industrial aquaculture hatcheries._x000D__x000D__x000D_The consortium_x000D_GlycoMar Limited is an SME biotechnology company based in Scotland specialising in the discovery and development of novel drugs, cosmetic ingredients and nutritional ingredients. MicroA AS is an SME microalgae and photobioreactor (PBR) technology company based in Norway. The companies have complementary technical skills to ensure the success of this project, which will be an important milestone for both P companies, and will lead to commercialisation as a high value natural skin care ingredient._x000D__x000D_

Acronym	PAMEC (Reference Number: 8449)
Duration	01/09/2013 - 31/08/2015
Project Topic	GlycoMar, a Scottish biotechnology company, and MicroA, a microalgae and photobioreactor (PBR) technology company based in Norway, will evaluate pilot scale production and market entry of a novel high value patented cosmetic ingredient from a marine microalga using a patented PBR system
Project Results (after finalisation)	- Successfully establish a pilot scale production of the novel microalga Prasinococcus capulatus, using MicroA's patented photobioreactor (WP1). It was important to confirm that our photobioreactor system was a good match with this specific alga. _x000D_- Setup and operation of a new harvest and downstream processing line, including centrifuge, TFF, and spray drier (WP2). MicroA staff has increased their knowledge and understanding in operating the different equipment. _x000D_- Reaching a very high concentration of 2 gram product per litre culture by optimising cultivation and process parameters throughout the project (WP1/WP2). This was a 10 fold increase from 0.2 gram product per litre culture in the pre-study. Increasing the yield was vital from an economic point of view in this project. _x000D__x000D__x000D_
Network	Eurostars
Call	Eurostars Cut-Off 10

Project partner

Number	Name	Role	Country
2	Glycomar Limited	Coordinator	United Kingdom
2	MicroA AS	Partner	Norway