Diatom frustules as a biobased sustainable delivery vehicle for multiple controlled release applications

Purpose and goal:

The project was to investigate if the biomaterial Algica can be used as a carrier material for encapsulation and controlled release of substances in the wound care, personal care and antifouling markets.

The project achieved a high percent of substances encapsulated in Algica. A release for one week was achieved for the antimicrobial substance AMC-109. The market- and sustainability analysis showed a need for sustainable carrier materials in the markets. The results fulfilled the project goal. Expected results and effects:

The encapsulation achieved was 7wt% (retinol), 4wt% (Selektope), 6wt% (AMC-109) and 2.5wt% (bovine serum albumin). AMC-109 was release for one week. More work is needed to achieve a good release of the other actives.

The market- and sustainability analysis showed an increasing use of encapsulation and release in the three markets. Today fossil based materials or synthetic silica nanoparticles are used as carrier materials. Algica could be a sustainable option to these. Approach and implementation:

The project consortium consisted of Swedish Algae Factory, RISE, I-tech and Amicoat. The project prioritized the different active substances and then encapsulated and released one substance at a time. The market- and sustainability analysis was done in parallel with lab tests.

The project has been coordinated through meetings every other week with a physical meeting once a month to keep a good communication within the consortium.