Cosmeceutical products from marine invertebrate processing wastes using green solvents

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This project is in collaboration with AKSO Marine Biotech Inc. (AKSO), a biotechnology company who develops innovative products from marine resources. Marine invertebrates are rich in bioactive compounds that are associated with desirable properties for cosmetic products (e.g. anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties). The goal of this project is to develop an environmentally-friendly extraction method using green solvents for converting marine invertebrate processing wastes into a natural extract to expand the company's current portfolio of natural face masks for the cosmetics market. The waste is currently an environmental and economic burden, as the company must pay for the solid waste to be transported off-site for disposal. This project will use green solvents comprised of compounds that are naturally found in biological systems and would be compatible with cosmetic products. This would be an advantage over conventional organic solvents that must be removed from extracts because of their high toxicity. Therefore, this project will develop an innovative natural extract from marine invertebrate processing wastes for direct incorporation into cosmetic products (i.e. face masks) without further purification. Success in this project would reduce AKSO's disposal costs and develop an innovative, environmentally friendly product for the cosmeceutical market. It will benefit Canada in the fisheries sector, by improving manufacturing processes and reducing their environmental impact. It will also lead to increased employment and expand markets for marine-derived products.