InnCoCells is a Horizon 2020 research and innovation project funded by the EU under the FNR-11-2020 topic “Prospecting aquatic and terrestrial natural biological resources for biologically active compounds”
The project launched in 2021 aims to develop innovative plant-based production processes for the commercial exploitation of scientifically validated cosmetic ingredients using profitable and sustainable cell cultures, aeroponic cultivation, and greenhouse/field cultivation
Image credit: lychees by B. Navez (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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Project partners
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European countries
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Months project duration
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Funding in euros
Cosmetics from plants
Higher plants synthesize a diverse range of bioactive, low-molecular-weight metabolites described as small molecules or natural products, offering enormous industrial potential particularly as cosmetic ingredients. The growing use of cosmetics has increased the demand for scientifically validated bioactive ingredients, reflecting a trend towards greater consumer awareness and a growing interest in functional cosmetic formulations. This has encouraged companies to seek innovations and to demonstrate the evidence-based functionality of their products. Growth in the cosmetics industry has also embraced the demand for green products, i.e. cosmetics containing environmentally beneficial and naturally sourced ingredients.
The InnCoCells approach
Instead of exclusively exotic species, we will focus on underutilized plants that are currently unsustainably sourced, as well as underutilized by-products and waste fractions from the agri-food industry. We are convinced that sustainable and cost-effective production systems with a small environmental footprint can be developed for high-value plant-derived cosmetic ingredients and compounds, and the optimal outcome can be achieved by integrating biotechnology-based approaches into more sustainable production chains featuring cutting-edge innovative technologies.
Our seven key objectives
To mine biological, genetic and chemical resources (following the Nagoya Protocol and local regulations) for biodiscovery and sustainable exploitation of at least 10 relevant metabolic pathways in various plant species.
To develop a multi-step evaluation pipeline for the testing of plant-derived bioactive molecules and extracts yielding at least 50 scientifically verified active ingredients for cosmetic products.
To develop, assess and optimize production processes and technologies for at least 20 ingredients, utilizing three major production platforms (plant cells, aeroponics, and greenhouse/field cultivation).
To explore the potential of at least 10 agri-food by-products/waste fractions by implementing a cascade biorefinery to generate value-added extracts, compounds or ingredients with confirmed activities, and preferably to utilize the exhausted biomass as feed, fertilizer or fuel (zero waste/energy neutral).
To establish environmentally sustainable pilot-scale production and purification technologies for at least 10 active, fully-characterized, pre-commercial cosmetic ingredients by the end of the project.
To ensure product safety, regulatory approval and the sustainability and profitability of the proposed value chains and processes by life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA), including the development of business models and a mandate for biodiversity preservation.
To promote knowledge exchange among academic and industrial parties within the InnCoCells Consortium, thus supporting product development and ensuring intellectual property (IP) protection. Additionally, to establish a Stakeholder Group to facilitate the dissemination and exploitation of project results beyond the InnCoCells Consortium by developing an effective and targeted communication and engagement strategy for the duration of the project and beyond.
Our seven key objectives
To mine biological, genetic and chemical resources (following the Nagoya Protocol and local regulations) for biodiscovery and sustainable exploitation of at least 10 relevant metabolic pathways in various plant species.
To develop a multi-step evaluation pipeline for the testing of plant-derived bioactive molecules and extracts yielding at least 50 scientifically verified active ingredients for cosmetic products.
To develop, assess and optimize production processes and technologies for at least 20 ingredients, utilizing three major production platforms (plant cells, aeroponics, and greenhouse/field cultivation).
To explore the potential of at least 10 agri-food by-products/waste fractions by implementing a cascade biorefinery to generate value-added extracts, compounds or ingredients with confirmed activities, and preferably to utilize the exhausted biomass as feed, fertilizer or fuel (zero waste/energy neutral).
To establish environmentally sustainable pilot-scale production and purification technologies for at least 10 active, fully-characterized, pre-commercial cosmetic ingredients by the end of the project.
To ensure product safety, regulatory approval and the sustainability and profitability of the proposed value chains and processes by life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA), including the development of business models and a mandate for biodiversity preservation.
To promote knowledge exchange among academic and industrial parties within the InnCoCells Consortium, thus supporting product development and ensuring intellectual property (IP) protection. Additionally, to establish a Stakeholder Group to facilitate the dissemination and exploitation of project results beyond the InnCoCells Consortium by developing an effective and targeted communication and engagement strategy for the duration of the project and beyond.
Our seven key objectives
To mine biological, genetic and chemical resources (following the Nagoya Protocol and local regulations) for biodiscovery and sustainable exploitation of at least 10 relevant metabolic pathways in various plant species.
To develop a multi-step evaluation pipeline for the testing of plant-derived bioactive molecules and extracts yielding at least 50 scientifically verified active ingredients for cosmetic products.
To develop, assess and optimize production processes and technologies for at least 20 ingredients, utilizing three major production platforms (plant cells, aeroponics, and greenhouse/field cultivation).
To explore the potential of at least 10 agri-food by-products/waste fractions by implementing a cascade biorefinery to generate value-added extracts, compounds or ingredients with confirmed activities, and preferably to utilize the exhausted biomass as feed, fertilizer or fuel (zero waste/energy neutral).
To establish environmentally sustainable pilot-scale production and purification technologies for at least 10 active, fully-characterized, pre-commercial cosmetic ingredients by the end of the project.
To ensure product safety, regulatory approval and the sustainability and profitability of the proposed value chains and processes by life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA), including the development of business models and a mandate for biodiversity preservation.
To promote knowledge exchange among academic and industrial parties within the InnCoCells Consortium, thus supporting product development and ensuring intellectual property (IP) protection. Additionally, to establish a Stakeholder Group to facilitate the dissemination and exploitation of project results beyond the InnCoCells Consortium by developing an effective and targeted communication and engagement strategy for the duration of the project and beyond.