Polysaccharide (PS) materials for managing cholesterol and diet–induced obesity (DIO)

High plasma cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is a potential consequence of obesity that is becoming a major public health challenge. Excess caloric intake without a corresponding increase in energy expenditure is believed to be the major contributing factor to weight gain among Canadians leading to hypercholesterolemia. This ‘silent killer’, hypercholesterolemia is characterized by increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL–C) that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Commercial bile acid sequestrants (BASs) for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia possess many intolerable side effects due to their artificial chemistry and the large dose requirement. We developed alternative [natural polysaccharide (PS) based] materials for commercial BASs which possess higher efficacies of clinically expected outcomes in a lower pharmacological dose. These polysaccharide (PS) materials would have three-in-one advantages: would lower the elevated cholesterol slowly, would reduce the orally ingested fat absorption and thus would decrease the diet-induced obesity (DIO), and lastly, they would serve as ‘pre-biotics’ to maintain the homeostasis of gut microbiome.

Faculty Supervisor:

Michael KC Tam

Student:

Partner:

Oligomaster Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: