Scientists refine all-natural preservatives to replace synthetic ingredients

The team from Purdue University’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and Laboratory of Renewable Resources Engineering (LORRE) are working with Colombian firm BioProcol on the project, stating that it is responding to industry calls for all-natural ingredients instead of synthesized materials.

BioProcol CEO and founder, German Schäfer, says that this work has led to two ingredients, called Solanum Complex and Sopex that could replace synthetic antioxidants and parabens.

“These ingredients are derived from the extracts of superfruits of the Solanum plant species, which grow in particular ecosystems in the foothills of the Colombian Andes,”​ he says.

Renewable resource​

Michael Ladisch, director of LORRE, who has worked with Schäfer to refine the ingredients, says that this project is another example of how a renewable resource can fill a very special need and provide a value-added product that is difficult to obtain by other means.

Purdue Foundry and BioProcol are now working together to evaluate the best path to introduce, transfer, distribute and commercialise these products and technologies.

"These ingredients are used in all beauty products of BioProcol's IDONA, an All-Natural Skin Care Luxury Brand," says Ladisch.

"BioProcol's Industrial and Manufacturing business unit, which produces the special compounds, will sell them to other cosmetics manufacturers in the United States and Europe. We also may pursue other health and well-being applications as resources permit and after the growth of IDONA and this cosmetic natural ingredients business."​

New products​

Solanum Complex is a natural antioxidant that stimulates internal revitalization and regeneration of the skin. Sopex protects and stabilises cosmetic and dermatologic formulations, says Schäfer.

“Because of the high purity and bioactivity of these ingredients, only very low concentrations are needed to achieve their multifunctional benefits in cosmetics,”​ he adds.

According to BioProcol, both ingredients are being commercialised by the company, which is based in Medellin, Colombia.