'Olmix group: innovative algae-based solutions, for a better life!'. Monday 19,16h30. Speaker: Pi Nyvall Collén, R&D director Olmix Group.
Olmix group, located in the heart of Britany has become one of the major global specialists in marine biotechnology and green chemistry with algae as a key raw material for its complete range of products. Olmix provides natural sources of nutrition and health to plants, animals and humans, for a complete and consistent healthy food chain.
Today Olmix Group employs 600 people worldwide and has a turnover of EUR 120 million in 2016, 80% as export sales. Olmix group commercial structure is based on a network of 23 establishments covering more than 100 countries on the five continents. The company has 10 production sites worldwide and its innovative character, in tune with the change of environmental regulations in the world, constitutes an important reference in sustainable development.
'Evaluation of the antidepressant- anxiolytic-like effects of a hydrophilic extract from the green seaweed Ulva sp. in rats' (Nicolas Violle, Pascale Rozan, Hervé Demais, Pi Nyvall Collen, Jean-François Bisson). Tuesday 20, 18h00. Speaker: Pr Allaert, Managing Director CEN Nutriments.
Pr Allaert will present the study investigating the antidepressant- and anxiolytic like effects of a hydrophilic extract of Ulva sp, containing sulfated polysaccharides (MSP®) in rats. MSP was evaluated at different doses in 2 models (Elevated plus-maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST)). In the FST, MSP effects were compared to the reference antidepressant drug imipramine (IMI).
MSP treatment did not modify anxiety-related behaviour in the EPM. In contrast, MSP induced a dose-dependent reduction of immobility behaviour in the FST. At the highest tested dose, MSP displayed a significant antidepressant-like effect similar to IMI. MSP did not modify the exploratory behaviour of rats in the open field test and did not produce any toxic effect.
MSP may potentially represent a good adjunct or alternative to existing antidepressant therapeutics. Further studies are necessary to confirm the mechanism of action of MSP and its modulation of brain functioning.
‘Marine algae Ulva armoricana: a new source of sulfated polysaccharides as immunomodulating compound to improve animal health’ (M. Berri, M. Olivier, S. Holbert, J. Dupont, H. Demais, M. Le Goff, P. Nyvall Collen). Wednesday 21, 18h10. Speaker: Mustapha Berri, Research Engineer, INRA.
Dr Berry will present the results of different research works conducted with Olmix to illustrate how algae as source of bioactive natural compounds can be used in farm animals as a new generation of growth enhancers and natural antibiotic alternatives to potentiate the immune function, to limit infection and improve animal health (1).
The first study proved that an aqueous extract of sulfated polysaccharides (MSP®Immunity) prepared from the green macroalgae Ulva armoricana inhibit bacterial growth of pathogenic bacteria and stimulate the mRNA expression of immune response mediators such as IL1α, IL1β, L-6, IL-8, TNFα, TGFβ and CCL20 using an in vitro system of the porcine intestinal epithelial cell line IPEC-1 (2).
The second study presented investigated the route of action of the MSP (target receptors and signaling pathway). RT-qPCR and ELISA analyses showed a significant increase in the mRNA and protein expression of cytokines such as CCL20, IL8, and TNFα. Using human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 reporter cell lines for pattern recognition receptors, MSP was found to primarily stimulate TLR4. Western blot analyses of ulvan-treated HEK293-TLR4 cells showed an increase in the phosphorylation of Akt and the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB. Inhibition of Akt phosphorylation with the specific inhibitor abrogated the ulvan-mediated enhancement of IL-8 secretion.
The overall results showed that ulvan is an immunostimulatory compound by itself, and furthermore, it could be used to effectively complex and deliver TLR ligands to relevant immune cells in vaccination strategies.
References:
[1] O’Sullivan, L. et al. (2010). Prebiotics from Marine Macroalgae for Human and Animal Health Applications. Mar Drugs 8, 2038-2064 (2010).
[2] Berri, M. et al. (2016). Marine-sulfated polysaccharides extract of Ulva armoricana green algae exhibits an antimicrobial activity and stimulates cytokine expression by intestinal epithelial cells. J. Appl Phycol. doi:10.1007/s10811-016-0822-7.
[3] Berri, M. et al. (2017). Ulvan from Ulva armoricana (Chlorophyta) activates the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway via TLR4 to induce intestinal cytokine production. Algal Research. Submitted
‘The first seaweed biorefinery in France: a natural resource for nutrition and health applications’ (Pi Nyvall-Collen, Damien Berdeaux, …). Thursday 22, 15h40. Speaker: Pi Nyvall Collén, R&D director Olmix Group.
The green seaweeds Ulva armoricana and Ulva rotundata (Ulvophyceae) are widespread on the coasts of Brittany (France) and cause regular green tides along the Breton intertidal. The green tides represent 200 000 tons (wet weight) of seaweed of which a part are collected on beaches and mudflats. The total surface affected by the strandings vary between 2 000 and 4 000 ha.
The ULVANS program was launched in 2012 and lasted 4 years with the aim to build a full processing chain to valorize green tides.
Technical and legal constraints to acces seaweed biomass was adressed in order to harvest the biomass in large quantities and in reduced time (before treatment). Large scale washing and preservation tools and equipments were conceived and built to process arrivals of fresh biomass. Phase separation and extraction procedure were optimised in order to deliver different seaweed fractions targeting animal and plant nutrition.
A large range of products were developed, targeting applications for immunity, digestive welfare and efficiency for animals and fertility development, nutrition optimisation, soil improvement and leaf fertilization for plants.
The ULVANS program proved the biorefinery concept economically viable.
In addition to the conferences, Olmix Group will present 9 posters in the poster session that will take place on Tuesday 20 and Thursday 22.
We invite you to register now to ISAP Nantes 2017!
* Full abstracts and posters available upon request from 23/06/2017
