Algal biotechnology research for health and beauty
products
Mineral oils are not solely used for the
production of fuels for transport and energy they are an important
raw material for the production of bewildering range of chemicals.
Using microalgae as a sustainable source for the production of such
chemicals is of growing global interest as more traditional, and
harmful, sources become unavailable or unsuitable.
YASMIN (Optimising Yield of Antioxidants and Sunscreens in
Microalgae for sustainable biosynthesis of INgredients for health
and beauty products) was a key stage in the burgeoning area of UK
algal biotechnology research, with the potential to contribute to a
potentially lucrative UK low carbon economy. YASMIN is a
collaborative project between PML Applications, Plymouth Marine
Laboratory (PML), The Boots Company PLC, University of Plymouth,
Carlton Power and Chesham Speciality Ingredients Ltd and funded
under the Renewable Materials LINK Programme through BBSRC.
YASMIN exploits the natural activities of microalgae to convert
light from the sun into chemicals at higher rates than crop-based
plants. With tens of thousands of species and adaptation to a wide
range of environments they often each contain unique chemicals;
YASMIN concentrated on two suites of bioactive compounds that play
a key role in protecting cells against natural stress factors such
as high light and ultra-violet radiation; the human application is
in healthcare products which have both economic and a health
benefits.
Aspects of algal physiology were undertaken at PML, while PML
Applications developed novel photobioreactors to optimise
cultivation of the selected strains. As a result of the successful
conclusion of this project earlier in the year, PML and Boots
continue to collaborate, and have instigated further projects,
while research findings in partnership with the University of
Plymouth have opened up new industrial biotechnology opportunities
within the drug discovery, pharmaceutical, aquaculture and
bioremediation sectors. The PML strain contains novel compounds
with potential applications as bulk low value compounds as well as
high value bioactives.
