Copy of Research projects

Overview of the most important research projects:

BIOCIRTECH - Bioactive substances from hemp, costaceae and microalgae

At the BIOCIRTECH National Center of Competence, we experimentally grow a number of varieties of technical hemp and optimize the best conditions for its sustainable cultivation, including organic farming methods. We then use technical hemp, grown with optimized gentle practices by our partner farmers, for the gentle extraction and subsequent isolation of cannabinoids and terpenes. The complete removal of psychoactive delta-9 THC from the extract is an absolute principle for us and the reason why NEOBOTANICS CBD products are legal and certified throughout the EU. As part of the project, we are also testing hydroponic production methods not only for cannabis, but also for other plants and algae that can be used in cosmetic products, e.g. irises, and isolation of active substances from iris rhizomes for our other product lines.

NANO-CANNABIS - Pharmaceutical products from hemp

As part of the TRIO research program, we received support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic for the projects: "Nanofibrous mesh with cannabinoid admixture for the treatment of wounds after extensive surgery" and "Methods of nanoencapsulation of bioactive substances for topical use in dermatovenerology". In them, polymer nano-materials are combined with active substances from hemp, in which we investigate their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These materials will be used in the healing of superficial and surgical wounds, while a number of findings have already found application in the cosmetic CBD products of NEOBOTANICS, such as gels with nano-CBD for application to sore, inflamed and strained muscles or CBD balms, intended for application to skin with eczema and inflammation.

Progressive indoor methods of cultivating Cannabis

The aim of the project is to research new progressive cultivation procedures and selected cannabis cultivars characterized by a high content of bioactive cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD) for their subsequent use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Under fully controlled climatic conditions, 50 varieties of medical cannabis with a wide spectrum of effective natural substances (including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) are grown and tested, which are subsequently tested for biological activities - including cytotoxicity, activity against human cancer cells, immunomodulatory activities, anti-inflammatory activities, antimicrobial activities including antibiotic-resistant strains, antioxidant activities to protect the skin against UV radiation, expression of genes responsible for protecting the skin from aging, etc.

Development of antiviral preparations based on colloidal nano-silver

NEOBOTANICS started the production of a new active substance – silver nanoparticles stabilized by a natural polymer exhibiting strong antimicrobial effects and developed a series of COLLOIDAL SILVER NANO-Ag preparations based on it. Currently, on the one hand, notification of this active substance and products is ongoing with the European Commission, as part of cosmetic products for skin treatment. Furthermore, in cooperation with a leading Czech academic institution, tests of the effects of the preparation against the pig coronavirus (which is more resistant to disinfection than the human strain) were started. Tests are also currently underway with the aim of proving how long the long-term antiviral effect remains after being applied to textiles and surfaces.

Bioprospecting - discovery and research of natural active substances

In the Competence Center for Biorefining Research BIORAF, led by Doc. Ing. Petr Kaštánkem, PhD. with more than 70 leading Czech researchers dedicated to research into ecological and sustainable production and utilization of plant biomass and microalgae. During expeditions to the extreme corners of our planet, from the depths of the oceans to the tops of volcanoes and glaciers, we discover new microorganisms adapted to these conditions and often producing highly biologically effective substances that can be used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. This activity, the so-called bioprospecting, is reminiscent of the work of ancient gold miners, only instead of precious metal, we look for new bioactive molecules and based on them we develop unique active substances for cosmetics, such as anti-inflammatory cannabinoids from hemp and neolignans from magnolia, or Omega-3 acids and exopolysaccharides from microalgae.

ALGACEUTICALS - New cosmetic active substances from stem cells and microalgae

In 2019, a new ALGACEUTICALS project was launched, supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR). The project, which is implemented in cooperation with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and the Institute for Global Climate Change at the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, focuses on the development of new cosmetic active substances from microalgae and plant stem cells, including their nano-encapsulation in the form of liposomes, nanoemulsions or lipid nano-particles, ensuring effective penetration of bioactive substances into the deep layers of the skin, where they can effectively reduce inflammation, deeply hydrate or protect collagen fibers from degradation and thereby protect the skin from premature aging.

OMEGA-3 FROM MICROALGAE - Research awarded with the VISIONARY of the Year award

Founder of the NEOBOTANICS® brand, Doc. Ing. Petr Kaštánek, PhD. received the prestigious "VISIONARY OF THE YEAR 2016" award with the research team for the development of a new strain of microalgae Japanochytrium sp., producing the polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, until now obtained from fish oil. The research was supported by the Technological Agency of the Czech Republic TAČR and the Czech-Spanish DIMASKIN project. This resulted in products to support the healthy development of the brain and eyes in children, to support the cardiovascular health of adults, as well as new cosmetic active substances with Omega-3 and carotenoids.

ALGAL FOODS - Functional foods from microalgae

The solution of the interdisciplinary project supported by MPO within the TRIO program is aimed at the isolation and biotechnological production of innovative strains of microalgae and the subsequent extraction of carotenes, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates for the food and cosmetic industry. The procedure is unique due to the use of specially bred types of microalgae, which are yellow due to the high content of bioactive lutein. From this "golden chlorella" there is an oil with antioxidant lutein, aimed at protecting the skin against premature aging, and algal protein for functional drinks.

BIOREACTORS for the production of microalgae - EXPO 2020 in Dubai

The patented technology was presented at EXPO 2020 in Dubai as part of the Czech Pavilion. Microalgae and symbiotic soil microorganism production technology is being tested to transform the desert into fertile soil. The entire technological complex, presented in Dubai by CTU and the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, includes the separation of water from air, the transformation of biological components from municipal waste, the production of microalgae and other symbiotic microorganisms and the subsequent use of the resulting "living water" for the revitalization of desert sand. We also use these own photobioreactors for the production of microalgae for the extraction of active substances for cosmetics.