It also works closely with Scottish Natural Heritage to ensure the seaweed harvesting is sustainable and environmentally friendly.The company employs eight people in its factory, although a further 36 jobs have been created in harvesting and hauling the crop. The end product is utilised in a variety of ways ranging from soil enhancement to shampoos, soaps, and body washes.

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Biofoskning’s Skin Science is an exclusive skincare line sold in the Scandinavian professional skincare market.  Bioforskning AS is currently preparing a sales expansion of their Skin Science line to several major European markets during the second half of 2010, in addition to developing new lines of products incorporating ingredients such as ABT’s Zonase X, which will be launched during the second half of 2010 and first half 2011.

ABT’s supply and development agreement with the global health care company, who does not wish to be disclosed at this time for strategic reasons, involves development of new products based on certain components contained in ABT’s patented Zonase technology, including Zonase X. The agreement represents a breakthrough for ABT’s new ingredient technology and has significant commercial potential for the company, as it comprises development of products outside of the original application areas of Zonase (which include exfoliation, moisturization and rejuvenation of skin), proving the versatility of the Zonase X technology. A patent application has been filed securing both parties’ common commercial rights within the new product area.

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Many believe the ocean is where life first started. Then it is no surprise, perhaps, that the biggest potential source for new, bioactive ingredients for the health and beauty market may originate from the same place. With so many new species of marine life still to be discovered, the potential for new marine-derived compounds and extracts is immense, and the industry is poised for accelerated development in the near future.

Later this year, the final results of the Census of Marine Life will be revealed. This 10-year ambitious initiative, driven by a global network of researchers in about 80 nations, is intended to assess and explain the diversity, distribution and abundance of marine life in the world’s oceans. This massive study will tell us about newly identified marine organisms and marine life not previously known. This news is exciting, as new promising bacteria, organisms and compounds will be likely discovered, providing a potential treasure trove of new marine ingredient products.

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Aqua Bio Technology AS (ABT), a Norwegian marine biotechnology company developing innovative active ingredients for the global personal care industry, today announced the global launch of ZONASE X™, a natural anti-aging ingredient composed of marine peptides and unique, non-toxic marine enzymes.  Following successful launch in the highly demanding Scandinavian market, ZONASE X™ is now ready for the global market.

The primary benefit of the unique ZONASE X is gentle, yet effective exfoliation, making it a safe and natural alternative to α-hydroxy acid, harsh fruit enzyme peels, and other potentially caustic exfoliating agents. In addition, the ingredient has shown excellent moisturizing properties, allowing for accelerated skin cell growth.  “The anti-aging category is driving the market, with forecasts of double-digit growth over the next five years,” said Thor Arne Talseth, Executive Chairman.  “Our testing shows that all-natural ZONASE X is as effective as other exfoliants on the market – yet does not have the same abrasive qualities and is far gentler on the skin. It also offers a moisturizing benefit, providing additional value.  These positive attributes have been very well-received during Scandinavian launch, and we believe this unique discovery could quickly become a dominant ingredient within the anti-aging segment.”

ZONASE X was first discovered at the salmon fish hatcheries in Norway, where hatchery staff members had surprisingly smooth hands – despite being immersed in intensely cold water for long periods. Their smooth skin was in fact due to an enzyme in the water secreted by fish larvae inside the egg just prior to hatching. This enzyme helps to break the egg shell during hatching — without harming the highly fragile larvae inside. Further research on this new enzyme indicated that the egg shell had a protein structure akin to corneum proteins of human skin.  Thus, the connection to the smooth hands was made – and a new, natural and gentle exfoliant was discovered.

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“Algal oil provides important benefits in personal care applications,” explained Jonathan Wolfson, CEO of Solazyme. “Solazyme’s algal oils can help meet the growing demand for completely renewable, natural and sustainable personal care products. Unilever is an acknowledged world leader in sustainability and we are honored to be working with them to develop this new renewable source of natural oils for their world class consumer products.”

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In this study, by the Israeli Skin Research Institute, 10 women applied a small amount of Alguard on half of their faces compared to a control cream on the other half and were monitored for one hour in a controlled environment. A clear reduction in fine-line length and depth, as well as a 24% average reduction in skin roughness were observed. “What’s exciting about this study is that within an hour of using Alguard, users see a change in the appearance of their skin, whereas it can take weeks for other cosmetic products to produce a noticeable change to skin appearance,” explains Anat Stern, MSc, Product Manager of Cosmetic Ingredients for Frutarom.

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The company is working within marine biotechnology, using patented marine enzymes, proteins and biopolymers in their two skin care brands, Z Skin Repair and Kilda Skindiver.

The company has an aggressive patent strategy to develop multiple use patents based on the application of biomolecules present in the hatching liquid from salmon eggs. The active principles in the liquid are not only restricted to proteases, but also include lectins, peptides, proteins, carbohydrates, protein- and carbohydrate biopolymers and lipids. During the last year, Zona Nordic AB has tested two new formulations based on the above mentioned technology.

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Glycomar Ltd, based at Dunstaffnage near Oban, is looking to bring products to market in the fields of both nutrition and cosmetics.

The business has been awarded up to £55,850 towards setting up an 18 month development programme that will build on the success of its research and development of the last three years. The potential products use anti-inflammatory agents to improve joint health and intestinal health and in skin care to promote anti-aging. The development programme will complete the R&D process and bring two new products to market.

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For the unenlightened seafood company, seafood byproducts can pose a headache and a significant cost item for disposal, storage, or dumping (which in many areas is illegal). For those involved in further processing of seafood byproducts, desirable compounds can be extracted and purified into high value ingredients with application in the feed, food, health and nutrition, cosmeceuticals, and the research and diagnostic markets.

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Research revealed that the same enzyme that degrades a fish egg shell during the fish hatching process can also be used to rejuvenate skin. According to Mr. Einar Vangsnes, CEO of Aqua Bio Technology AS,”ZONASE is an all natural, non-toxic enzyme which is perfectly suited and highly effective for skin care applications”. ZONASE has proven completely safe and highly effective in a range of applications. By removing dead skin cells, and not harming living cells, ZONASE has successfully been formulated into anti-aging, skin repair and even eczema and psoriasis applications.

Aqua Bio Technology AS has hired Strategro International, LLC to help launch ZONASE into the North American cosmeceutical market.

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