THEME 4: MARINE BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES - BIOTECHNOLOGY

The “blue cosmetics” industry is one of today’s iconic activities in Brittany. Valorising active molecules extracted from seaweed accounts for a significant number of the 4000 jobs in the Breton cosmetics industry. The algal biodiversity of the Breton coastline, with 400 varieties identified, represents a key factor in the increasing success of these activities.

In collaboration with a laboratory which has developed sound skills and expertise in the field of genetics, three companies are preparing to go one step further: the AQUACTIFS project represents a major development in approaches to producing and valorising algae.

Several species of macroalgae will be selected for their potential as sources of active molecules. The genetic profiling of these algae will establish which are the most promising varieties: these will then be farmed, and no longer just harvested at sea, to ensure regularity of supply and to preserve natural resources. Algae cultivated in this way will make it possible to produce cosmetic extracts with the ideal profile in terms of effectiveness and safety. For industrial companies sourcing their supplies or manufacturing their products in Brittany, this initiative will ensure traceability and safety relating to the quality of the raw material.

AQUACTIFS PROJECT PARNERS

Companies:

• AGRIMER, Plouguerneau, project director, processes algal extracts and manufactures cosmetic products,
• C-Weed Aquaculture, Saint-Malo, aquaculture development agency and algae producer,
• BIOCEAN, Roscoff, dried algae producer by aquaculture and diver and shore harvesting for food-processing and cosmetics industries

Research centre:

• Station Biologique de Roscoff, marine research laboratory studying “Adaptation and diversity in the marine environment”, and the team researching “Evolution and genetics of marine populations”

Contact: philippe.potin@pole-mer-bretagne.com