Sporopollenin as Bioactive Substance for Cosmetic and Health Applications

FESTEL CAPITAL is supporting a client with the commercialisation his US patent and patent applications in Europe and Japan, which are expected to be granted soon. The patents cover various sporopollenin applications for the cosmetic, nutrition and pharmaceutical industries.

Different commercialisation options, such as out-licencing or a sale of all relevant intellectual property and know-how, are possible.

Background

Sporopollenin is a natural biopolymer, made from polyphenols and carotinoides, found as a major component of the tough outer (exine) walls of spores, pollen grains and certain algaes. It is chemically very stable and resistant to degradation by enzymes and strong chemical reagents.

Sporopollenin is normally not soluble in organic solvents, but as sporopollenin is able to bind various substances (heavy metals, toxins, pesticides) like a sponge, it is possible to make solutions of sporopollenin for various applications by using emulsifiers and a hydrophilic solvent.

Up until now sporopollenin has not been available commercially, but our client is setting up a plant for industrial production.

Application Areas

Sporopollenin is a non-toxic, safe natural material, tested according to EG-guideline L 248: B.1 tris and OECD guideline 423 (ACT method) and shows a good bioavailability. It is tasteless, odourless, heat stable and can be easily processed. Sporopollenin can be applied in the cosmetic, nutrition and pharmaceutical industry.

Cosmetic industry: Sporopollenin has a proven anti-wrinkle activity, combined with a natural UV-protection. It can be used as a new natural ingredient.

Nutrition industry: Using the ability to bind toxins and heavy metals, sporopollenin can by used as a detoxifying agent in the health food and nutrition industry.

Pharmaceutical industry: Sporopollenin enhances the immune system by stimulating macrophages and increasing TNF-alpha secretion. Furthermore, sporopollein and/or modified sporopollenins are candidates for anti-cancer drugs against soft tissue cancer.

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