Theme 4 : Marine biological resources / Biotechnology

The NanOMERC project is aimed at developing nanoparticle carriers for use in cosmetics. Obtained from a combination of a seaweed extract and a type of clay, the carriers will act as stabilising agents for an emulsion, in the form of a cream or lotion, and will avoid the need to use surfactants that can potentially irritate sensitive skins.

The groundbreaking method for obtaining this new substance will be based on a continuous extrusion reactor process that will replace existing batch reactor processes. The new process is the result of developments in green chemistry and will consume considerably less water and energy. Ephyla, the company directing the project, will launch this technological breakthrough in cosmetics manufacture based on these nanoparticle carriers. The process, involving cold emulsification, will cost one hundredth that of the traditional hot process. The resulting energy saving will also minimise the environmental impact by reducing CO2 emissions in particular.

Part of an eco-design initiative, this innovative approach provides an alternative means of developing the economic potential of algae, notably green algae, that grow in abundance along the coast of Brittany.

Soliance, a leading distributor of ingredients for cosmetics, will be responsible for the market launch of the products derived from this new technology, thereby strengthening its market position as a supplier of new generation cosmetics emulsifiers and additives.

NanoMERC project partners

Companies

• EPHYLA develops new ingredients for cosmetics based on natural substances and makes its technology available to other labs, Vannes, project director,

• ARD Soliance, French company developing, manufacturing and marketing active ingredients for cosmetics that have high added value and are sourced from plants, microorganisms and microalgae, Reims.

Research centres

• CNRS, (MPC – Matériaux à Porosité Contrôlée team, IS2M), research team at the Institut de Science des Matériaux in Mulhouse studying and creating solids with controlled porosity for use in adsorption, to act as catalysts, to strengthen polymers and to protect the environment, Mulhouse,

• CEVA, European centre for marine plant technology, Pleubian,

• CNRS (GEPEA) Laboratoire de Génie des Procédés – Environnement – Agroalimentaire (Process engineering – Environment – Agri-foodstuffs Lab), St Nazaire,

• University of Bretagne Sud, (LIMATB – Laboratoire d’Ingénierie des Matériaux de Bretagne) Brittany materials engineering lab studying materials eco-design, energy efficiency in manufacturing processes and lifecycles and improving digital simulation methods, Lorient.

Contact

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