SEA4DERM – Compostos naturais de macroalgas para utilização dermocosmética e psoríase

The main objectives of the SEA4DERM project are: 1) To add economic value to natural marine resources by increasing knowledge of their biotechnological potential, in particular for the development of new dermocosmetic products with the incorporation of molecules isolated from marine macroalgae studied by our research group on the Atlantic coast of central Portugal that showing high bioactive capacity. 2) To define which of the 24 compounds from marine macroalgae from the Atlantic coast of central Portugal, previously isolated and identified by our research group, have high potential for inclusion in antiaging dermocosmetic creams, either due to their ability to act on dermal enzymes, their effect on microorganisms, their high antioxidant capacity and/or their ability to stimulate cell renewal. 3) To evaluate the potential of the 24 compounds for treating psoriasis by using cellular inflammation models in monoculture and in more complex structures with psoriasis-specific 3D cellular models. 4) To create topical dermocosmetic creams incorporating natural marine compounds isolated from macroalgae that revealed high bioactive potential during the project, as proof-of-concept, carried out in co-creation in an industrial environment at the Manulena company. 5) To create the opportunity for two new specialised jobs by hiring a senior technician who will support the project in the area of management and science communication and a PhD researcher who will take part in all the project's tasks. 6) To create training opportunities for young students, either by carrying out PhDs associated with the project or by taking part in advanced short programmes that the project team will carry out in the field of marine biotechnology and its potential for dermocosmetics through the valorisation of natural marine resources. 7) To bridge the gap between academic research and the business sector, thereby enhancing the research and innovation ecosystem in central region of Portugal. 8) To strength the European collaborative network, namely by involving two leading universities in Spain and Poland, that together with the Polytechnic University of Leiria are involving in two European universities, the RUN-EU and SEA-EU.