Overview of the most important research projects:
BIOCIRTECH - Bioactive substances from hemp, seaweeds and microalgae
At the BIOCIRTECH National Competence Center, we experimentally cultivate a range of industrial hemp varieties and optimize the best conditions for its sustainable cultivation, including organic farming methods. The industrial hemp, grown using optimized, environmentally friendly methods by our partner farmers, is then used for the gentle extraction and subsequent isolation of cannabinoids and terpenes. The complete removal of the 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 methods for the production of not only hemp, but also other plants and algae usable in cosmetic products, such as irises, and the isolation of active substances from iris rhizomes for our other product lines.
NANO-CANNABIS - Pharmaceutical products from cannabis
As part of the TRIO research program, we received funding from the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic for the projects: "Nanofiber meshes with cannabinoid additives for the treatment of wounds after extensive surgery" and "Methods of nanoencapsulation of bioactive substances for topical use in dermatovenereology". These projects combine polymeric nanomaterials with active substances from hemp, where we are investigating their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. These materials will be used in the healing of both superficial and surgical wounds, with many findings already being used in NEOBOTANICS cosmetic CBD products, 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 Cannabis cultivation
The project aims to research new, progressive cultivation methods and selected cannabis cultivars characterized by a high content of bioactive cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), for their subsequent use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Under fully controlled climatic conditions, approximately 50 varieties of medicinal cannabis with a broad spectrum of active natural substances (including cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) are grown and tested. These are then tested for biological activities – including cytotoxicity, activity against human cancer cells, immunomodulatory activity, anti-inflammatory activity, antimicrobial activity including antibiotic-resistant strains, antioxidant activity to protect skin against UV radiation, expression of genes responsible for protecting skin against aging, etc.
Development of antiviral preparations based on colloidal nano-silver
NEOBOATANICS has started production of a new active ingredient – silver nanoparticles stabilized by a natural polymer, exhibiting strong antimicrobial effects – and has developed a range of products based on it, called COLLOIDAL SILVER NANO-Ag. Currently, notification of this active ingredient and products is underway with the European Commission, as part of cosmetic skin care products. Furthermore, tests of the preparation's effectiveness against porcine coronavirus (which is more resistant to disinfection than the human strain) have been initiated in cooperation with a leading Czech academic institution. Tests are also currently underway to demonstrate how long the long-term antiviral effect remains after application to textiles and surfaces.
Bioprospecting - the discovery and research of natural active substances
At the BIORAF Competence Center for Bio-refining Research, led by Doc. Ing. Petr Kaštánek, PhD., more than 70 leading Czech researchers are dedicated to research on the ecological and sustainable production and utilization of plant and microalgae biomass. During expeditions to extreme corners of our planet, from the depths of the oceans to the peaks of volcanoes and glaciers, we discover new microorganisms adapted to these conditions and often producing highly biologically active substances usable in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. This activity, called bioprospecting, resembles the work of ancient gold prospectors, except that instead of precious metals, we are looking for new bioactive molecules and, based on them, we are developing unique active ingredients 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 ingredients from stem cells and microalgae
In 2019, a new project, ALGACEUTICALS, supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR), was launched. The project, implemented in cooperation with the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, and the Institute for Global Climate Change at the Czech Academy of Sciences, focuses on the development of new cosmetic active ingredients from microalgae and plant stem cells, including their nano-encapsulation in the form of liposomes, nanoemulsions, or lipid nanoparticles. This ensures effective penetration of bioactive substances into the deep layers of the skin, where they can effectively reduce inflammation, deeply hydrate, and protect collagen fibers from degradation, thus protecting the skin from premature aging.
OMEGA-3 FROM MICROALGAE - Research awarded the VISIONARY of the Year award
The founder of the NEOBOTANICS® brand, Doc. Ing. Petr Kaštánek, PhD., and his research team received the prestigious "VISIONARY OF THE YEAR 2016" award for the development of a new strain of microalgae, *Japanochytrium* sp., producing polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA, previously obtained from fish oil. The research was supported by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TAČR) and the Czech-Spanish project DIMASKIN. This resulted in products to support healthy brain and eye development in children, to support cardiovascular health in adults, as well as new cosmetic active ingredients with Omega-3 and carotenoids.
ALGAL FOODS - Functional foods from microalgae
The solution to the interdisciplinary project supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade within the TRIO program focuses on the isolation and biotechnological production of innovative strains of microalgae and the subsequent extraction of carotenoids, proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates for the food and cosmetic industries. The process is unique due to the use of specially cultivated microalgae species that are yellow due to their high content of bioactive lutein. From this "golden chlorella," in addition to oil with antioxidant lutein, aimed at protecting the skin against premature aging, algal protein for functional beverages is also obtained.
BIOREACTORS for microalgae production - EXPO 2020 in Dubai
The patented technology was presented at EXPO 2020 in Dubai as part of the Czech Pavilion. The technology for producing microalgae and symbiotic soil microorganisms is being tested for the conversion of desert land into fertile soil. The entire technological complex, presented in Dubai by the Czech Technical University and the Czech Academy of Sciences, includes water separation from the air, the conversion 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 proprietary photobioreactors for the production of microalgae for the extraction of active ingredients for cosmetics.
The goals of our research and development
- select locally growing traditional and forgotten medicinal plants with potential for use in dermatology and cosmetics
- develop procedures for their sustainable production in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
- optimize the gentle extraction of bioactive substances or fractions in order to maximize biological activity
- identify bioactive substances and any contaminants
- to verify the biological effects, especially on wound healing, skin regeneration, and supporting the body's natural defenses
- to connect doctors, pharmacists, botanists and biotechnologists with experts in phytotherapy, nutrition and healthy lifestyle
- formulate the obtained active substances into the form of nano-micelles and liposomes using natural surfactants, thereby increasing their effectiveness
