The USDA, ARS has obtained a patent for the FanteskTM process, a method that utilizes jet cooking to form a non-separable starch-oil composite. Hy-Gene Inc. has entered into a cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the USDA, ARS to explore the commercial potential of Fantesk emulsion products. Beside the simplicity of forming a non-separable microdispersion of oil in starch matrix, there are many advantages of the FanteskTM technology for skin and wound care applications. These include the use of natural and non-synthetic components that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), and their relatively low cost. These factors alone substantially reduce the risk of developing this technology in the highly competitive consumer and over-the-counter skin care market. In addition, the technology is robust and lends itself to the development of a platform of proprietary wound care products that can deliver wound healing agents useful in the treatment of chronic wounds and sun-damaged skin. The proposed program is directed at research demonstrating the feasibility of FanteskTM emulsion products as moisturizers and skin protectants. The proposed research is aimed at validating preliminary studies showing superior substantivity and skin protection of starch-petrolatum compositions applied to normal undamaged.
Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications of Research::Successful development of FanteskTM formulations that enhance skin protection and provide superior moisturization in the absence of emulsifiers and low concentrations of irritants will provide a novel line of skin care products including hand and body lotions, sunscreen, and over-the-counter skin care products that deliver topically-active agents for treatment of acne, antimicrobials for health care workers, and anti-inflammatory and anti-itch medicaments for minor skin damage from sun burn and contact with environmental skin irritants. Further development of the FanteskTM technology will provide a platform for entry into the ethical medical device market with a topical oxygen-delivering gel for treatment of ischemic skin ulcers.
