Periodic Reporting for period 1 - InnCoCells (Innovative high-value cosmetic products from plants and plant cells)
Período documentado: 2021-05-01 hasta 2022-10-31
Cell and hairy root cultures as well as plants growing in aeroponic and field conditions were established and optimised at the laboratory scale. Growth performance and compound accumulation were monitored, and samples were provided for downstream processing. Three cell lines were scaled up to volumes of 30–40 L and one was scaled up to 200–1000 L. For hairy root cultures, all steps required to establish a robust seed train for transfer to pilot-scale production were completed and an initial 30-L verification run was successful. Experimental aeroponic culture units (20 m2) were established for four selected species. Three fields were also prepared for new plantations, two of which are still growing or already harvested.
We have investigated the impact of different drying and milling technologies on the yields of selected target compounds during extraction, as well as the use of efficient enzyme-based bioprocessing technology to modify the plant raw material in terms of structure, yield and bioactivity. Initial attempts to fractionate large volumes (> 30 L) of liquid cell suspension cultures using an innovative spiral filter press demonstrated that this technology is highly efficient, and that the optimal process parameters and cell yields are species-dependent. Laboratory-scale experiments were carried out using different solvent systems and extraction methods, focusing on extract stability. Initial experiments to recover compounds and fractions from biowaste using above-ground plant material are in process. Larger-scale extraction and purification (50 L) was tested on raspberry seed press cake. Standard operating procedures for sample extraction and extract stability have been compiled, and all bioactivity assays of interest have been identified. Similarly, targeted and untargeted metabolomics approaches have been agreed among the partners. We have started the chemical analysis and bioassays, which have already produced a significant amount of data.
Today’s biological targets in cosmetics, based on consumer demands, are to tackle acne and inflammation, ageing, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and sun damage. Additionally, consumers seek confirmation of a product’s efficacy, and we aim to prove the effectiveness of the InnCoCells ingredients scientifically. Preliminary work has begun on the techno-economic viability of processes and products as well as environmental sustainability to support public and European policy expectations.
We have set out the project’s strategy for dissemination and communication activities as well as knowledge management and the handling of new intellectual property. Activities include the project website and social media channels, project brochures and promotional videos, the launch of a podcast series, press releases, newsletters and articles in industry periodicals, and collaboration with the three other projects funded under the same H2020 topic. We have published four scientific articles and several conference presentations. We presented three public webinars and two for the consortium and invited stakeholders. We also established the Stakeholder Group to provide feedback and advice.