Ceapro Inc. Announces Successful Completion of Collaborative Research and Development Program with University of Alberta - Seite 2

Results from this NSERC-CRD project demonstrated for the first time that Ceapro’s PGX Technology could be used to not only dry and purify polysaccharides like beta glucan, but also proteins and peptides, which could then be impregnated with valuable bioactives. Additionally, by leveraging the PGX Technology, the research team was able to generate unique composites known as exfoliated nanocomposites, made of homogenously intertwined polymers (e.g. polysaccharides, proteins, enzymes and gums) with remarkable new properties. This project also greatly contributed to the development of new processing approaches using the PGX Technology, especially for the development of new delivery systems even making the dispersions of hydrophobic bioactives in water stable.

“Over the course of this project, significant inroads were made into a completely new and promising field – the simultaneous drying, purification and functionalization of proteins, peptides, and enzymes,” said Dr. Paul Moquin, Director Scientific Affairs and New Business Development at Ceapro. “Researchers made unique alginate-protein composites made of homogenously intertwined polymers with remarkable new properties. Although it is early to totally capture the full impact that such findings will have on the development of future products, we expect that it will be disruptive to many economic sectors.”

Considerable resources were deployed during this project to study and characterize the PGX material, novel composites, and new delivery systems. Among all the work that was conducted, enhanced release kinetics of these hydrophobic bioactives in simulated gastrointestinal conditions was demonstrated, which is an indication of their potential increased bioavailability that can lead to improved health benefits. Results allow the selection of the best polymer as the carrier to generate optimal delivery systems for targeted applications including functional food, dietary supplement, personal care, cosmetic and drug applications.

"We are very happy to successfully complete this very ambitious project, generating a lot of new information, and paving the way for new opportunities and future applications of the PGX Technology,” said Professor Dr. Feral Temelli from the Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science of the University of Alberta. “It was a major collaborative effort between our teams at the University of Alberta and Ceapro. Based on the training received at the UofA throughout this project, two of my team members were hired by Ceapro and it is wonderful that they continue to contribute to the growth of the PGX Technology. I really appreciate the financial support of NSERC-CRD program and Ceapro for this major project."