Beyond processing waste of sea cucumber: cosmeceutical potential of North Atlantic sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa)

Orange-footed sea cucumber (Cucumaria frondosa) is the most common sea cucumber found in the North Atlantic Ocean. This species is mainly fished for its edible body wall and other remaining body parts are discarded as processing waste. However, all the body parts are rich in protein and production of protein hydrolysates is identified as an efficient method to upgrade the by-products. The protein hydrolysates and peptides so produced exhibit excellent functional and biological properties. These properties show great potential for utilizing as functional ingredients in the cosmetic industry. The cosmetic industry’s current interest is moving towards natural cosmetics with added health benefits, particularly, it has become the emerging trend in skincare products. Therefore, proper incorporation of sea cucumber biologically active molecules into cosmetic products will enhance the full utilization of Atlantic sea cucumber while promoting skin health.

Faculty Supervisor:

Deepika Dave

Student:

Tharindu Senadheera

Partner:

Springboard Atlantic

Discipline:

Biochemistry / Molecular biology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Memorial University of Newfoundland