Evonik has inked a partnership with University of California San Diego Center for Microbiome Innovation (CMI), which  aims to provide new insights about the complex composition of these microbial communities on the skin. The target of the three-year agreement and future research projects is the improvement of existing cosmetic raw materials and the potential discovery and development of new ones for promoting a healthier skin microbiome, according to the German-based global company.

The cooperation with the Center for Microbiome Innovation will give Evonik’s scientist’s new impetus to its Care Biotics technology platform, in which the company promotes the development of commercial microbiotic products. 

“The partnership with the renowned CMI will enable us to dive deeper into the fascinating field of the skin microbiome. This will enable us to realize the vast potential of this technology platform to create and commercialize better product solutions,” said Dr. Tammo Boinowitz, senior vice president and general manager of Evonik’s business line Care Solutions.

“Although research on the skin microbiome is still in its infancy, it’s of enormous interest for consumers as well as from the scientific viewpoint,” explains Dr. Peter Lersch, VP of Evonik’s innovation growth field Cosmetic Solutions. “The microbiome supports the epidermal skin barrier and plays also a role in the aging process of the skin. The development of microbiome-friendly cosmetic products is therefore a highly promising application area.” 

Together with the CMI team, Evonik intends to explore model systems for the skin microbiome. Such investigations should greatly accelerate the systematic evaluation of new as well as existing raw materials.

The Center for Microbiome Innovation encompasses a large range of expertise in microbiome sampling, a broad range of technologies (metagenomics, metabolomics, metatranscriptomics) and data analysis using high-performance algorithms, machine learning, and modeling. The ultimate goal is to increase knowledge of the microbiome’s impact on human health and the environment with an eye to providing innovative solutions and treatment to major diseases as well as prolonging wellness.

“We are delighted to have a partner like Evonik. The combination of CMI’s first-rate academic research and prominent opinion leaders as well as the opportunity for scientific exchange with Evonik’s team of skin product experts will lead to fascinating discoveries together” said Professor Rob Knight, faculty director of the CMI. “Our collaboration is already moving at lighting speed, with our first joint project expected to be initiated before the end of the year.”