Daebong LS, a platform company specializing in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and bio materials, has successfully developed and commercialized a functional cosmetic ingredient utilizing beta-glucan derived from the marine microalga Euglena gracilis. This advancement is part of the Marine Bio Industry Material Localization Technology Development Project managed by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and executed by the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology (KIMST).
Since April 2022, Daebong LS and Pusan National University have collaborated on this project, which runs until December 2026, focusing on securing comprehensive raw material technology. Pusan National University has undertaken the cultivation and production process for Euglena, while Daebong LS has concentrated on the extraction and purification of beta-glucan, as well as product formulation and efficacy/safety evaluations.
Based on the research outcomes, Daebong LS optimized the purification process to develop 'Lipo β-Glucan-U,' a nano-emulsion liposome ingredient containing 35% high-concentration beta-glucan.
In vitro tests indicated a tendency to inhibit the secretion of skin irritants (β-hexosaminidase), while human application tests verified the soothing, moisturizing, and skin barrier improvement effects under physical and chemical stress conditions. The ingredient also received a non-irritant classification in primary skin irritation testing, demonstrating high safety.
Furthermore, Daebong LS is accelerating efforts to establish a foundation for technological protection and commercialization. The company has completed patent registration (10-2819388) for all processes, from efficient extraction and purification methods for Euglena materials to the formulation technologies applied in high-functionality cosmetics, securing exclusive technological rights.
In addition, Daebong LS is establishing a stable supply foundation through reproducibility and standardization of a 500L mass cultivation process and is concurrently developing a follow-up composite liposome ingredient that combines 2.5% niacinamide with the existing beta-glucan liposome.
This ingredient has demonstrated approximately 355 times higher skin absorption rate compared to the control group in a percutaneous absorption test (Franz diffusion cell), with liposome structure exhibiting excellent physical characteristics such as particle size of about 139nm and PDI of approximately 0.21.
A representative from Daebong LS stated, “Through this project, we have secured technological competitiveness from Euglena cultivation and process standardization to high-concentration beta-glucan, liposome formulation, and commercialization. We will conclude the verification of the 500L mass cultivation process without delay and continue to develop next-generation functional materials that incorporate whitening effects, along with tailored technical marketing for our clients, thereby consistently expanding our portfolio of marine bio-based cosmetic materials.”
