Unlocking the anti-pollution power of giant kelp

Published: 18-May-2018

Catherine Gondran, Yolène Ferreira, Gilles Oberto and Karine Cucumel discuss harnessing the power of giant kelp through Zeta Fraction Technology to protect epidermal stem cells from pollution

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Environmental air pollution, induced in part by fine particulate matter (PM), is now well documented as a main concern in the public health domain. In terms of size, PM is defined as coarse (2.5-10mm) or fine (0.1-2.5mm).

The enhanced toxicity effects of ultra-fine particles (UFPs, diameter <0.1um) have been linked to their smaller size, which provides a greater surface of contact between tissues and toxic chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrmcarbons (PAHs) and metals.


Figure 1. Hyaluronic acid content in ex vivo skin biopsies, after detection by hyaluronic acid binding protein, labelled with a fluorescent marker (quantification by image analysis). ***: highly significant compared with placebo with Student’s t test (n=3)

Figure 1. Hyaluronic acid content in ex vivo skin biopsies, after detection by hyaluronic acid binding protein, labelled with a fluorescent marker (quantification by image analysis). ***: highly significant compared with placebo with Student’s t test (n=3)


UFPs are found ubiquitously in both indoor and outdoor environments[1]. Their origin is linked chiefly to industrial activity and road traffic.

Their effects on health were first demonstrated in bronchial epithelium, reportedly causing oxidative damage, inflammation and severe diseases[2].

The influence of air pollution on cell renewal capacity is still a poorly described consequence of air pollution.

Indeed, the decline of the regenerative capacity of tissues during ageing appears as a consequence of the different types of damage affecting stem cells and progenitor cells[3].

Some studies show that

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