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2404673

Cooperative Agreement

Overview

Grant Description
SBIR Phase II: Development of biocompatible and biodegradable UV filters

The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will stem from the creation of novel and safe ultraviolet (UV) materials, called filters, for the skincare, cosmetics, and sunscreen markets.

The proposed UV filters have the potential to have high impact as an alternative to current petroleum-based photo-protectants as these are the first biodegradable, biocompatible and ecologically safe UV filters made from components already present in the human body.

The petroleum-based filters break down into toxic compounds with carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting properties.

This project will develop a safe alternative to chemical sunscreens that appeal to the customers, providing a more convenient formulation with superior stability and better protection against UV damage to the skin involving sunburns, aging, and the heightened risk of skin cancer.

The naturally derived formulations developed in this project can be produced using an environmentally friendly synthesis with minimal byproducts that are safely biodegradable.

These innovative UV protectants will continue to drive competition, push creativity, and establish additional lucrative product lines, including creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and stick-based sunscreen products.

The proposed project seeks to address the unmet need for novel UV filters with improved safety and stability over current UV protectants.

The Phase I project established reliable, green synthesis of UV filters, including formulations that can serve as a clear, non-greasy, water-based serum for the skin.

These compounds have superior stability compared to other UV filters on the market while remaining biocompatible with little waste created during the synthesis.

The Phase II project will build upon this success by further characterizing compound safety/degradation, optimizing production and green synthesis for manufacturing scale-up, and development of finalized formulations that are ready to enter the market by the end of the Phase II project.

The goals of the project include:

(1) Testing of UV filter safety and degradation products needed for regulatory approval, following adherence to the Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) guidelines;

(2) Optimization of methods for green synthesis and scaling for manufacturing; and

(3) Development of new formulations targeting the beachhead market of UV-protectant serum products.

This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

Subawards are not planned for this award.
Awardee
Funding Goals
THE GOAL OF THIS FUNDING OPPORTUNITY, "NSF SMALL BUSINESS INNOVATION RESEARCH PHASE II (SBIR)/ SMALL BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER (STTR) PROGRAMS PHASE II", IS IDENTIFIED IN THE LINK: HTTPS://WWW.NSF.GOV/PUBLICATIONS/PUB_SUMM.JSP?ODS_KEY=NSF23516
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
San Francisco, California 94107-3154 United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Soliome was awarded Cooperative Agreement 2404673 worth $1,000,000 from National Science Foundation in August 2024 with work to be completed primarily in San Francisco California United States. The grant has a duration of 2 years and was awarded through assistance program 47.084 NSF Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships. The Cooperative Agreement was awarded through grant opportunity NSF Small Business Innovation Research / Small Business Technology Transfer Phase II Programs (SBIR/STTR Phase II).

SBIR Details

Research Type
SBIR Phase II
Title
SBIR Phase II: Development of biocompatible and biodegradable UV filters
Abstract
The broader impact/commercial potential of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will stem from the creation of novel and safe ultraviolet (UV) materials, called filters, for the skincare, cosmetics, and sunscreen markets. The proposed UV filters have the potential to have high impact as an alternative to current petroleum-based photo-protectants as these are the first biodegradable, biocompatible and ecologically safe UV filters made from components already present in the human body. The petroleum-based filters break down into toxic compounds with carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting properties. This project will develop a safe alternative to chemical sunscreens that appeal to the customers, providing a more convenient formulation with superior stability and better protection against UV damage to the skin involving sunburns, aging, and the heightened risk of skin cancer. The naturally derived formulations developed in this project can be produced using an environmentally friendly synthesis with minimal byproducts that are safely biodegradable. These innovative UV protectants will continue to drive competition, push creativity, and establish additional lucrative product lines, including creams, lotions, gels, sprays, and stick-based sunscreen products. The proposed project seeks to address the unmet need for novel UV filters with improved safety and stability over current UV protectants. The Phase I project established reliable, green synthesis of UV filters, including formulations that can serve as a clear, non-greasy, water-based serum for the skin. These compounds have superior stability compared to other UV filters on the market while remaining biocompatible with little waste created during the synthesis. The Phase II project will build upon this success by further characterizing compound safety/degradation, optimizing production and green synthesis for manufacturing scale-up, and development of finalized formulations that are ready to enter the market by the end of the Phase II project. The goals of the project include: (1) testing of UV filter safety and degradation products needed for regulatory approval, following adherence to the generally recognized as safe and effective (GRASE) guidelines; (2) optimization of methods for green synthesis and scaling for manufacturing; and (3) development of new formulations targeting the beachhead market of UV-protectant serum products. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
Topic Code
CT
Solicitation Number
NSF 23-516

Status
(Ongoing)

Last Modified 8/27/24

Period of Performance
8/15/24
Start Date
7/31/26
End Date
52.0% Complete

Funding Split
$1.0M
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$1.0M
Total Obligated
100.0% Federal Funding
0.0% Non-Federal Funding

Activity Timeline

Interactive chart of timeline of amendments to 2404673

Additional Detail

Award ID FAIN
2404673
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Other
Awarding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Funding Office
491503 TRANSLATIONAL IMPACTS
Awardee UEI
C7VRSTR2T4D5
Awardee CAGE
902J9
Performance District
CA-11
Senators
Dianne Feinstein
Alejandro Padilla
Modified: 8/27/24