Fucopol natural polysaccharide with photoprotective capacity for cosmetic and dermatological applications
FucoPol is a high-molecular-weight bacterial polysaccharide offering strong UVA and UVB photoprotection at low concentrations. Biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and photostable, it outperforms common cosmetic biopolymers and standard UV filters, making it ideal for sunscreen and skincare formulations.
Overview
FucoPol is a natural bacterial polysaccharide with demonstrated photoprotective properties suitable for incorporation into cosmetic, skincare, and dermatological products. Produced by bacterial fermentation using renewable carbon sources, it is composed of the neutral sugars fucose, galactose, and glucose in a nearly equimolar ratio, along with the acidic sugar glucuronic acid. With a high molecular weight above 1000 kDa, FucoPol forms viscous solutions with shear-thinning behavior and has emulsion-forming and stabilizing capacity.
Beyond its rheological and emulsifying properties, FucoPol is biocompatible, non-cytotoxic, and antioxidant. It delivers effective UVA and UVB protection at concentrations as low as 0.02% (w/v), achieving a sun protection factor (SPF) of 2.61 at that lowest tested concentration. On a per-unit concentration basis, FucoPol is approximately 60-fold more photoprotective than combinations of common organic and inorganic UV filters, and it outperforms widely used cosmetic biopolymers such as xanthan and fucogel.
Technical specifications
Composition and properties:
- Composed of fucose, galactose, glucose, and glucuronic acid in a nearly equimolar ratio of neutral sugars
- High molecular weight above 1000 kDa
- Shear-thinning rheological behavior in solution
- Emulsion-forming and stabilizing capacity
- Biocompatible and non-cytotoxic
- Antioxidant activity
Photoprotective performance:
- Effective UVA protection at concentrations of 0.02–2% (w/v)
- Effective UVB protection at concentrations of 0.2–2% (w/v)
- Over 94% overall photostability up to 1.5 hours of irradiation
- SPF of 2.61 ± 0.08 at 0.02% (w/v) concentration
- Approximately 60-fold more photoprotective per unit concentration than standard organic and inorganic UV filter combinations
- In vitro studies show preserved cell viability and delayed radiation-induced cell death in Vero epithelial and PM1 keratinocytic cells at 0.25% (w/v)
Technology readiness level
FucoPol's photoprotective capacity has been demonstrated through published in vitro studies, including cell-based radiation exposure experiments. The polysaccharide has been characterized for its composition, molecular weight, rheological behavior, and UV protection performance. Future validation is planned to develop a topical formulation and test it with in vitro assays using animal cell lines, with an estimated timeline of approximately 18 months. The technology is currently at an advanced laboratory validation stage, ready for formulation development and partnership-driven commercialization in the cosmetic and personal care sectors.
About Universidade NOVA de Lisboa
NOVA University Lisbon is a comprehensive public research institution spanning multiple campuses across the Lisbon metro area, combining selective excellence with an applied, collaborative ethos. Industry engages through co‑located laboratories at FCT NOVA and a science and technology park adjacent to the Caparica campus, alongside structured corporate partnership programs. Clinical translation is enabled by NOVA Medical School’s integration with Lisbon’s hospital network and clinical academic consortia, providing access to patient populations and real‑world settings. Research is supported by competitive European and Portuguese national funding, including Horizon Europe and the Foundation for Science and Technology, complemented by industry‑sponsored work. University‑wide innovation offices and school‑level TTOs provide IP, licensing, and startup support as a clear entry point for corporate R&D.
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