TaliActives
Biological characterization of oligofucans produced by a new family of fucanases
Project leader(s)
Among all algal polysaccharides, fucans have the most extensively documented bioactivities, making them highly attractive as bioactive ingredients. Sulfated polysaccharides and their derived oligosaccharides act on humans as well as their associated microbiomes. However, chemical production methods for (oligo)fucans alter the structure of these compounds, particularly the sulfation motifs, which are crucial for bioactivity. Enzymatic hydrolysis is the preferred method for producing oligosaccharides with intact bioactivity. In this context, the TaliActives project will use a new family of fucanases recently patented by CNRS-SU-INRAE to produce a collection of oligofucans from several brown algae species. These oligosaccharides will be biochemically and structurally characterized. In parallel, their bioactivities will be screened using cell models, and genomic analyses of associated microbiomes will be conducted by approved cosmetic and nutraceutical providers in accordance with the recommendations of EC Regulation No. 1223/2009 (on cosmetic products). The TaliActives program thus aims to produce at least one characterized and objectively validated oligofucan ingredient for the cosmetics market.
