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Archive for November, 2011
Health Enhancement Products, Inc. expands scientific inquiry at Battelle as algae-derived molecules are tested for bioactivity
Posted On: November 27, 2011The board directors of Health Enhancement Products, Inc. (OTCBB: HEPI), a Scottsdale, AZ-based food ingredients and nutraceutical enterprise, has authorized an expanded study of its algae extracts. Since May of 2011, the Company has been working with Battelle, the world’s largest independent research and development organization, to isolate the active molecules in its proprietary algae extract, specifically those natural compounds responsible for supporting a healthy cholesterol balance. Over the intervening months, Battelle research scientists have conducted a series of experiments to separate bioactive fractions of the algae extract in order to isolate and further characterize the bioactive components.
That program has resulted in a number of isolates that can now be tested in vivo. The in vivo portion of this expanded research project will be carried out in several steps. The in vivo study is expected to commence in several days. The isolated samples will be administered to test subjects over the course of 30 days, after which an evaluation process would identify those samples with bioactivity. Battelle scientists would subject those samples to further refinement and validation, or proceed directly to a final analysis.
Marine Science Park construction underway in Argyll
Posted On: November 27, 2011Construction of the European Marine Science Park is underway at Oban in Argyll, where a turf-cutting ceremony was recently held to mark the occasion.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is investing £7.5m to create the first phase – which will take advantage of significant opportunities in marine science, marine biotechnology and renewable energy.
The 20,000 sq ft of office and laboratory space will support businesses in Scotland’s growing Life Sciences and Energy sectors and has the potential to support up to 125 jobs.
The site of the development, Dunstaffnage near Oban, is already an internationally recognised centre of excellence for marine science, with the Scottish Marine Institute being home to the Scottish Association of Marine Science (SAMS), and the European Centre for Marine Biotechnology. These provide marine science research and education as well as incubation space for new and growing businesses.
NZ Biotech company Photonz successfully transfers omega-3 fermentation process to industrial scale Canadian pilot plant
Posted On: November 27, 2011Biotech company Photonz Corporation has achieved a major milestone on the path to commercially manufacturing, by fermentation, the high-value omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It has successfully transferred its strain and fermentation process, developed in Auckland, to a contract facility in Canada, which has then used that process to ferment material from algal biomass in a 7.5 tonne industrial scale reactor. This demonstrates the feasibility of commercial production of EPA from marine microalgae.
The Canadian facility has a battery of reactors and support utilities that enable it to operate multi-tonne scale fermentations under industrial conditions. During the project it produced sufficient biomass for Photonz to complete development of the downstream purification processes for its EPA product, also at pilot industrial scale.
Kyoto University research team makes transparent crab shells with high-tech possibilities
Posted On: November 27, 2011Researchers in Kyoto have discovered a way to make crab shells transparent, which while of no use to the shells’ former owners, could be applied to solar panels and flexible video displays.
According to the research group led by Professor Hiroyuki Yano at Kyoto University’s Research Institute for “Sustainable Humanosphere,” the key to the study is a soft and highly heat-resistant fiber called “chitin” that is found in crab and shrimp shells.
The researchers discovered that the shell could become transparent if protein is removed from it and it is coated with different types of resin, including acrylic. After succeeding in making the shell transparent, the team applied the theory in the construction of a heat-resistant sheet, which they succeeded in making by crushing the transparent shell into powder and adding resin to it. With the effect of chitin from the crab’s shell, the sheet was about 10 times more heat-resistant than resin without the component addition.
Seaweed gel transforms drops into edible beads
Posted On: November 27, 2011A technique for quickly encapsulating a drop of liquid to create an edible bead, developed by Nicholas Bremond and colleagues at the School of Industrial Physics and Chemistry in Paris (ESPCI ParisTech), can package any liquid using a seaweed extract.
Bremond came up with the technique while collaborating with a master chef who wanted to put flavours in small compartments. To create liquid-filled beads, drops are coated with a seaweed solution. Then they’re dropped into a calcium bath containing detergent, which causes the algae to harden and form a shell. Without detergent, the watery coating would still gel, but it would quickly mix with its liquid contents.
Beyond culinary creations, Bremond is using the method to package cancer cells and study them in a 3D environment. The permeable beads prevent cell contamination, while allowing drugs to flow in.
Juneau Economic Development Council reports progress on marine-related business development plans
Posted On: November 27, 2011Champions of Juneau Economic Development Council’s 10 action initiatives for its ocean products working group reported progress and opportunities at a recent teleconference.
The Development Council was contracted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service to complete an economic development asset map and a strategic plan for southeast Alaska. “The map and plan would focus on actions to strengthen select industry sectors in the region, such as fishing, tourism and timber,” according to JEDC.
Previously, the Southeast Alaska Ocean Products Working Group identified their 10 action initiatives between Jan. and May of this year.
The group discusses ways to develop region-wide mariculture zoning, increase wild salmon production through habitat restoration, develop a sea otter management program in southeast Alaska, establish a marine industry technology and workforce improvement consortium, include the seafood industry in USDA programs, enhance salmon production, study the conversion of southeast Alaska fish byproduct to biogas and fertilizer through anaerobic digestion, further develop renewable energy, protect long term access to fishery resources and ensure southeast’s fishing future through targeted education and training in the acquisition and financing of fishing permits, quota and fishery businesses.
North Carolina Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation Seeks CEO
Posted On: November 9, 2011The North Carolina Marine Biotechnology Center of Innovation is seeking a seasoned business executive to lead the development of
a new scientific commercialization venture in eastern North Carolina. The CEO requires a hands-on leader to work with the local, national, and global biotechnology communities and research institutions for collaboration in the development of both academic and commercial opportunities, related to marine biotechnology.
The ideal Chief Executive candidate will effectively create, engage, inform, and communicate with a marine biotechnology network, ranging from universities to businesses and state leaders. The goal is to successfully cultivate collaborative innovation and accelerate North Carolina’s bioscience research engine to deliver economic benefits statewide.
GC Rieber Oils utilizes fish oil for biodiesel
Posted On: November 8, 2011GC Rieber Oils currently possesses two plants in Kristiansund, Norway, where they refine fish oils into omega-3 oils. All processes in the refineries are driven by steam. Until recently, fuel oil from fossil fuel has been used in the steam boiler to create steam. GC Rieber Oils has found a more environmentally friendly replacement for the fuel oil.
When producing omega-3 concentrates, all omega-3-fatty acids are preserved. In fish oil there is also a rather large amount of saturated fat which from a nutritional point of view, is not interesting for further production. Using distillation, these saturated fats are being separated from the process. The waste of fatty acids can be used as biodiesel and replace today’s fuel oil. The Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency has approved our replacement of fuel oil with self-produced biodiesel.
Biodiesel from fish oils is a renewable resource, and even though the emission of CO2 will be the same, it will be CO2 neutral in the cycle considering the accounting/final statement of greenhouse gasses.
GC Rieber Oils is expecting a reduction of fuel oil of approximately 25% in 2011. Our target is a 100% replacement of fuel oil.
Marinova reports two clinical studies in pipeline
Posted On: November 7, 2011Marinova has some exciting news to report in the area of new clinical trials. Reflecting a commitment to developing novel fucoidan compounds with proven therapeutic efficacy, they have just commenced two new clinical trials. These two studies will investigate the potential of Maritech® fucoidan in the following clinical settings:
• Osteoarthritis and Inflammation
This is a large multi-site trial, directly commissioned by Marinova, to assess the ability of Maritech® fucoidan to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. The trial is double randomised, placebo controlled and – in addition to pain score testing – serum samples will be tested for several key markers of inflammation. This study is being conducted at Southern Cross University (Australia) and results are expected in the second quarter of 2012.
• Integrative Oncology
At two centres in Australia, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer will take Maritech® fucoidan. The levels of chemotherapy drug in serum will be measured to assess the effects of fucoidan, including any interactions with the chemotherapy drug. Indicators of pain and improvements in quality of life will also be assessed. This study is being conducted in conjunction with the University of Tasmania and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2013.
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