What is Blue Biotechnology? Using Marine Molecules for Wellness
Despite the fact that you’re reading this article on a phone or laptop, and you’re probably sitting inside of a man-made house on an industrialized couch or chair, all of those products and fisheries did have elements that were ultimately sourced from nature. Even when it feels so far removed from our daily lives, nature is surrounding us in more ways than one.
Harnessing natural elements in a responsible and sustainable way is an important tactic in achieving holistic wellness and peace within our bodies. Our planet has always treated us right, so it’s important that we do the same.
Advancements in biotechnology have allowed humans to expand our knowledge and application of natural land-based elements, but there is a whole entire world underneath the sea that has barely been explored. Ocean biotechnology, or “blue” biotechnology, is a gateway towards sustainable usage of marine molecules for wellness. The color blue is assigned to aquaculture, coastal, and marine biotechnology.
Let’s learn a bit more about this amazing new innovation in biomaterials, marine science, and technology.
WHAT IS BIOTECHNOLOGY?
Biotechnology, in general, is the broad term that refers to any piece of tech that utilizes biological systems, living organisms, or elements from living organisms to develop or create different products.
Despite the term “technology” feeling fairly modern, biotech has been around for quite some time. Technically speaking, the process of baking bread uses elements of biotechnology, as harnessing a living organism (yeast) to produce the desired product (bread) is emblematic of this concept at large.
Biotechnology is often associated with genetic engineering, which is the manipulation of an organism’s genetic makeup to achieve desired traits. This has opened up new opportunities in medicine and agriculture, though its ethicality has come into question. It’s important to note that while genetic engineering is a form of biotech, it is not utilized in all spheres related to biotechnology.
WHAT MAKES BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY UNIQUE?
Blue biotechnology involves using specifically marine organisms to source certain molecules and oils. The blue economy is largely enhanced by blue biotechnology due to the exploitation and preservation of the marine biotech and ecosystem.
Water is vital for life and covers over 70% of the earth’s surface. Oceans contain 96% of the earth’s water, with the highest percentage of biological diversity (biodiversity) on the planet.
In fact, much of the ocean has been left undiscovered, meaning there is so much we don’t know when compared to land-based biomes.
Marine microorganisms, such as invertebrates, algae, and microalgae, live in extreme ocean marine environments. To adapt, they’ve developed unique survival properties within their molecular biology to help protect themselves against UV radiation, pollution, and physical damage.
The properties of these marine natural products are what makes them so beneficial for things such as skincare and pharmaceuticals. Other nutraceuticals like seaweeds or even the fluorescent protein in jellyfish have made their way into our day-to-day products.
The blue biotechnology sector harnesses these extraordinary survival mechanisms to produce marine actives. An active ingredient is a compound within a given marine product development that has medicinal properties. Marine actives are sustainably sourced and natural, meaning they can be sourced ethically for extensive bodily benefit.
BENEFITS OF MARINE MICROORGANISMS
Blue biotech is specifically targeted towards beauty and skincare, and certain microorganisms have bioactive compounds in their genes that can provide tailored benefits to given physical areas.
ALGAE
For thousands of years, algae have been known to deploy healing properties. As an abundant source of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids, it is highly beneficial to the skin.
Algae can soothe irritation, reduce the appearance of sun damage, and brighten the skin. Not to mention, it’s been proven to boost hydration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s also a great source of omega-3s, so it’s often used in dietary supplements or certain foods to support heart health.
On top of that, blue biotech has harnessed algae’s unique ability to protect against UV waves and blue light waves, making it great for protecting the skin and hair against harmful pollutants.
MARINE COLLAGEN
When it comes to clear and elastic skin, collagen is necessary. Collagen is an important protein that is responsible for keeping skin hydrated and wrinkle-free. However, as you age, collagen production can slow, causing fine lines and generally brittle skin.
Collagen supplements are typically sourced from the bones of land mammals, but these supplements’ sourcing can be intense for some people and are not often sourced sustainably. However, through blue biotechnology, collagen can be sourced in an ethical manner from deepwater fish.
Marine collagen is inspired by a Mediterranean diet, acting as a powerful nutricosmetic that combats skin aging from the inside out. Fish collagen has a superior absorption rate, meaning that its vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can start giving you benefits even faster than most alternatives.
SEA SPONGES
Sea sponges are naturally absorbent and can help to exfoliate the skin. Most sea sponges are also hypoallergenic, so they’re perfect for people with sensitive skin.
Sea sponges as a marine active ingredient are clinically proven to increase adiponectin release, which mimics the effects of endurance training. Adiponectin plays an important role in fat regulation and glucose production.
On top of that, these organisms can promote type 1 muscle fibers and cellular metabolism to tighten, tone, and firm. This improves the body’s definition and helps create an overall healthy muscular appearance, making it a perfect ingredient for body sculpting marine cream.
BLUE BIOTECHNOLOGY SKINCARE PRODUCTS
When it comes to skincare, it’s essential to try to stick with a trusted brand. The great thing about marine actives is that most of them are non-irritating and are applicable to all skin types, so you won’t need to worry about having an adverse reaction if you give marine cosmetics a try.
Because of the versatility of marine microorganisms, they’ve been engineered for use in almost any type of skincare product imaginable. You can give all of them a try with our skin system, and you’ll soon wonder why every cosmetic brand isn’t harnessing the power of the sea.
MOISTURIZERS
It makes sense that organisms that live in the water would do a pretty good job of keeping you hydrated. Algae and glycoproteins are perfect in skin moisturizers because of their ability to shield against cold and dryness while also soothing and reducing inflammation.
Clinical trials yielded that our marine-based moisturizer decreased wrinkle depth by nearly 30% after just 30 days.
In addition, peptide compounds stimulate the production of collagen, which will help strengthen skin elasticity and firmness.
CLEANSERS
Moisturizers are a skincare staple, but so are facial cleansers. A morning and nightly regimen that consists of cleansing followed by moisturizing is essential for a healthy complexion.
Bio-Fermented Pseudoalteromonas are perfect for purifying cleansers, as they reduce the amount of sedum on the surface. Sebum is an oil that is naturally produced in order to keep the skin hydrated. However, excess amounts can clog pores and lead to breakouts. This makes this marine active, especially useful against oily and combination skin.
EYE REVIVAL CREAMS
Dark circles and bags under the eyes can be caused by a lack of moisture in that area. They’re common in older adults because of the fact that skin becomes more brittle over time, leading to less moisture production and increased visibility of blood vessels beneath the surface.
Certain variants of kelp are able to stimulate hyaluronic acid synthesis, which replenishes the skin and restores volume. This visibly improves the area underneath the eye as well as decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
SAVING THE OCEANS
Marine wildlife and microorganisms are able to benefit humans in more ways than you could count. That’s why preserving this amazing biome is essential for our wellbeing, as well as the wellbeing of ocean life.
One Ocean Beauty’s inspiration came from the oceans, and conservation of these marine resources is in our DNA. Through a partnership with Oceana, we contribute to preserving and restoring the oceans and their inhabitants.
Each One Ocean Beauty product purchased helps us take care of our most vital resource while simultaneously paving the way for future advancements in the world of blue biotechnology. After all, blue biotechnology makes sure of marine bioresources as the source of biological applications.
IN CONCLUSION
Blue biotechnology refers to the utilization of oceanic ecosystems to create different products. Specifically, this technology sector focuses on skincare and cosmetics, as the unique, adaptable qualities of ocean life make marine microorganisms perfect for usage in these types of products.
Organisms such as algae are able to protect the skin against harmful UV rays, making them great for use in moisturizers and protectant sprays. Similarly, marine collagen can be sourced from deepwater fish, which is a more sustainable alternative to most other collagen supplements that rely on the bones of mammals.
Things like facial cleansers, moisturizers, and eye revival creams are just a few examples of the different ways blue biotechnology can be used to benefit humans. But when you’re choosing natural and sustainable products that can directly help save this precious resource, you’ll be benefiting a lot more than just yourself.
Sources:
What is Biotechnology? - Department of Biotechnology and Food Science
"Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart" - Mayo Clinic