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UK University Research Group seeks SME partners to explore the development of three specific marine bio-resources to produce high value products: anti-cancer drugs, oxygenase biocatalysts, anti-microbials
Posted On: September 4, 2011The marine environment is a very rich source of bio-molecules with therapeutic applications. Blue biotechnology specifically seeks to harness the biodiversity of the marine environment for access to high-value and relatively low-volume biological products. Recent advances in molecular biology (including metagenomic methods) mean that there is now remarkable potential to harness genetic biodiversity from specific marine environments for bio-product preparation. For example, when studying marine bacteria they are no longer limited to experimental approaches that focus on the <1% of organisms that can be easily cultivated as pure cultures in the laboratory.
The valorization of marine biodiversity for the EU economy using such approaches therefore offers much promise. In this project they will aim to explore the development of three specific marine bio-resources to produce high value products:
i) Anti-cancer drugs from sponges
ii) Oxygenase biocatalysts from marine bacteria
iii) Anti-microbials based on bacterial viruses
Technical Specifications / Specific technical requirements:
Call Details: KBBE.2012.3.2-01 Innovative marine biodiscovery pipelines for novel industrial products, call deadline 15th November 2011.
Expected proposal budget around ¬5m. Funding for SMEs at 75%
Proposal under prepartion, consotrium academic members in place, SMEs being recruited.
Anti-bacterial reusable shopping bags made from chitin available through Haggen Stores, Pacific Northwest USA
Posted On: May 3, 2010Haggen is proud to introduce an antibacterial polypropylene reusable bag that helps prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause food-borne illness.
This reusable bag has been treated with AP-360, an all-natural, biodegradable and renewable resource that helps prevent the spread of bacteria that can cause food borne illness, even after repeated washings.
AP-360 is an antimicrobial product that controls harmful and odor causing bacteria (MRSA), mold, mildew and fungus. It is produced from natural resources that are abundantly renewable. Chitin, the active substance, is derived from the shells of crabs and contains unique antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial characteristics of chitin have been known for some time, but have not been commercially viable due to a lack of durability at a reasonable cost. AP-360 has overcome the durability vs. cost issue.
Seaweed fabric releases marine amino acids, minerals and vitamins into the skin upon contact with moisture
Posted On: May 11, 2009Lululemon Athletica has been a standout performer on Wall Street since it went public in July, thanks to the popularity of its costly yoga and other workout clothes, which are made with unusual materials, including bamboo, silver, charcoal, coconut and soybeans.
The label on a shirt at Lululemon says it contains seaweed.
One of its lines is called VitaSea, and the company says it is made with seaweed. The fabric, according to product tags, “releases marine amino acids, minerals and vitamins into the skin upon contact with moisture.” Lululemon, which has received positive media coverage for its fabrics, also says the VitaSea clothing, made from seaweed fiber supplied by a company called SeaCell, reduces stress and provides anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, hydrating and detoxifying benefits.
There is one problem with its VitaSea claims, however. Some of them may not be true.
The New York Times commissioned a laboratory test of a Lululemon shirt made of VitaSea, and reviewed a similar test performed at another lab, and both came to the same conclusion: there was no significant difference in mineral levels between the VitaSea fabric and cotton T-shirts.
In other words, the labs found no evidence of seaweed in the Lululemon clothing.
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