Syntopix completes microemulsions challenge

RNS Number : 8445H

Syntopix Group plc

06 June 2011

 



Press Release

06 June 2011

Syntopix Group plc

("Syntopix" or "The Group")

Syntopix completes challenge to develop new microemulsions for healthcare products

Syntopix Group plc (AIM: SYN), the antimicrobial research company, is pleased to announce it has completed the international research challenge into formulation design for healthcare and cosmetic products, announced in December.  As a result of this project, backed by Intelligent Formulation Ltd, Syntopix has identified two 'green' surfactants to incorporate into novel oral care microemulsions.

Syntopix, along with international chemistry experts, investigated how to rationally design cosmetic and personal care formulations containing novel surfactants. Used to create emulsions and microemulsions, surfactants help the water and 'oil' components to hold together in stable formulations. The project focussed on surfactants to satisfy the growing consumer demand for natural, environmentally friendly and biodegradable ingredients that are used to formulate cosmetic products.

The team were successful in measuring a characteristic known as the "Cc" (characteristic curvature) for a range of green surfactants with different properties. The Cc value gives information about how useful the surfactants will be in forming microemulsions and using measured Cc values makes it much easier to identify which surfactants are likely to match well to typical oils and formulation conditions. Specialist computer software can then help scientists to adjust and improve the formulations. The combined approach saves time, money and resource in the development of formulations. 

Syntopix has placed all Cc values from the project in the public domain and it is hoped the resultant data will assist scientists to formulate new cosmetic, pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Dr. Steve Jones, CEO of Syntopix Group plc said: "The work Syntopix has done to characterise surfactants is a benefit not only to the Group but also to the wider scientific community. The project will help define the parameters for successful formulations and we hope that it will encourage surfactant suppliers to measure and provide Cc values to aid their customers in formulation design.

"From our own perspective, we now have new chemical information on two environmentally friendly surfactants that we can incorporate into our own formulations. Following our recent acquisition of Leeds Skin, we now also have the capacity to test our formulations in house using our unique human skin model, LabSkin. As consumers demand more natural ingredients in their personal care products, this will give our products a real edge over competitors."

Dr. Jim Bullock, CEO of Intelligent Formulation Ltd also spoke positively about the project: "We are delighted with the outcome of the project and also with its successful collaborative format. The results will not only benefit Syntopix but also the wider formulation community in other industrial sectors. We are also very pleased with the high level of interest from that community now that we are disseminating the results."

- ENDS -

For further information, please contact:

Syntopix Group plc
Dr Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer	Tel: [phone]
Sarah Gregory	www.syntopix.com
[e-mail]

Intelligent Formulation Ltd
Nicholas Marchetti	Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]	www.intelligentformulation.org

Media enquiries:

Abchurch Communications
Sarah Hollins / Adam Michael / Simone Elviss / Claire Dickinson	Tel: [phone]
[e-mail]	www.abchurch-group.com

Notes to Editors: 

Syntopix Group plc -Antimicrobial experts delivering consumer healthcare innovation

With a rich portfolio of new product opportunities Syntopix offers antimicrobial expertise to the cosmetic, consumer healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.

From concept generation to clinically tested technologies, Syntopix researches, develops and tests active ingredients for acne treatments, dental products, deodorants and anti-dandruff shampoos.

Driven by an uncompromising desire to develop proprietary technologies that are proven to work, Syntopix employs robust science and has world class antimicrobial capabilities.

Syntopix has a growing library of over 3,000 compounds profiled for their antimicrobial activity. The company discovers novel uses for known compounds and combinations of compounds, which have established safety profiles. By uncovering new uses for existing compounds, Syntopix reduces the cost and risk of ingredient and product development.

Syntopix works with companies at all stages of the product development pipeline offering R&D solutions from ownable technology platforms through to tailored research.  Following the recent acquisition of Leeds Skin Centre for Applied Research Ltd. (Leeds Skin), Syntopix now provides an independent commercial testing facility to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Unique characteristics of its colonised full thickness model of human skin (LabSkin) allow rapid, cost effective screening of e.g. anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients and products for use on skin.

Syntopix also offers high quality contract research services specialising in Human Skin Microbiology, tissue culture systems and Human Volunteer and Clinical Dermatology Research.

When it comes to topical antimicrobial innovation the Syntopix focus is simple: intelligent and specialised R&D input.  

For further information, please see www.syntopix.com.

Intelligent Formulation Ltd 

Intelligent Formulation Ltd is a not for profit company set up by Yorkshire Chemical Focus Ltd, the Institute of Pharmaceutical Innovation and ParticlesCIC to deliver the Formulation Innovation Network.

The Formulation Innovation Network provides business benefits to companies involved in formulation by accelerating innovation and facilitating research and knowledge transfer across industry sectors to address future challenges and opportunities.

The Formulation Innovation Network is supported by Yorkshire Forward, the European Regional Development Fund and Solutions for Business. For further information, please see www.intelligentformulation.org.

 

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NRAUOOARARANRAR