Apoena Biotech Bioprospects the Amazon for Sustainable Biological Actives for Cosmetics

“The Amazon Forest's soil, though lacking in nutrients, boasts an extensive array of microbiological diversity," said Paula Segura, leader of the bioprospecting laboratory at Apoena Biotech. "This diversity is essential for recycling organic matter and fostering the growth of diverse life forms. It achieves this through processes such as the production of plant hormones, the availability of nutrients, and even the inhibition of plant pathogens."Apoena BiotechApoena Biotech recently held its second bioprospecting expedition for sustainable biological actives, this time in the Tapajós National Forest of Pará in Brazil's Amazon; this expedition follows the group's inaugural harvesting of the "blue Amazon" in water's off the coast of Brazil.

The latest expedition took place February 26-March 1, 2024 and involved the study and bioprospecting of microorganisms from the soil and 24 regionally abundant plant species known for their production of bioactive substances.

Key biological actives from this bioprospecting mission are expected to be available to the market beginning in September 2025.Permission for the mission came from SISBIO (Biodiversity Authorization and Information System) ICMBio Santarém (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade) and leaders of traditional Amazon communities to align information to be shared with the Tapajós Flora Federation.

The researchers manually collected tiny samples (less than 5 g) from roots, stems, leaves, fruits, litter and soil for reproduction via biotech, thereby preserving biological resources while accessing novel natural actives.

Key biological actives from this bioprospecting mission are expected to be available to the market beginning in September 2025.

The latest expedition took place February 26-March 1, 2024 and involved the study and bioprospecting of microorganisms from the soil and 24 regionally abundant plant species known for their production of bioactive substances.Apoena Biotech“The blue and green Amazon expeditions–led by our company–aim to search for microorganisms in distinct biomes, so each can address specific questions and, consequently, meet the demands of an increasingly responsible and aware market," said Patricia Mendes, marketing director at Apoena Biotech. "For example, 'How do corals protect themselves from the sun at low tide?' (in the case of Fernando de Noronha) and “How can a soil that is not rich in nutrients support the wide diversity of plant species present in the region?' (in the case of the Amazon Forest).'"

“The Amazon Forest's soil, though lacking in nutrients, boasts an extensive array of microbiological diversity," said Paula Segura, leader of the bioprospecting laboratory at Apoena Biotech. "This diversity is essential for recycling organic matter and fostering the growth of diverse life forms. It achieves this through processes such as the production of plant hormones, the availability of nutrients, and even the inhibition of plant pathogens. The average annual temperatures in the Amazon Forest usually range between 22°C and 28°C, and the relative humidity is also high. This scenario makes the region conducive to developing a vast diversity of microbial species."