1
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF BI-REGIONAL WORKSHOP
“Functional food and medicinal products from Amazonian crops”Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 03-05, 2007
The EULAFF Project: Europe-Latin America Cooperation on Functional Food
EC Contract N° 043158 (FOOD-SSA)
Dr. Javier VerásteguiSecretary General, BioEuroLatina - Executive Director, EULAFF Project
Christian SuojanenSecretary General, EFB - Coordinator, EULAFF Project
2
European Federation of Biotechnology
Contents
• Functional food and Latin America
• Agro-biodiversity valorisation chains
• Potential functional foods from LA biodiversity
• EU-LA collaboration model to add value to agro-biodiversity
• The EULAFF Project: concept and objectives
• EULAFF project activities 2006 – 2008
• EC´s EULAFF and ALCUEFOOD projects: complementarity and synergies
3
European Federation of Biotechnology
Definition of “Functional Food”
« A food is called functional when, beyond its
nutritional value, it has demonstrated satisfactorily to have a benefical effect on one or more specific functions of the human organism in such a form that it is relevant to improve human health or the quality of life, and/or to reduce the risks to diseases. »
Consensus document at the European Union
4
European Federation of Biotechnology
Some human health problems addressed by functional food
• Obesity: diets with reduced fats and sugars
• Cardiovascular diseases: foods reducing bad cholesterol
• Cancer: foods with anti-oxydants
• Diabetes: sugar substitutes, natural sweeteners
• Deficiency of vitamin A: foods rich in ß-carotene
• Hipertension: foods reducing arterial tension
5
European Federation of BiotechnologySome food components having
functional properties for human health
FOOD FIBERS
• β-Glucans: help to reduce cholesterol absorptium
• Psyllium: helps to reduce fat absorptium
• Chitosan: helps to reduce fat and cholesterol absorptium
CAROTENOIDS
• Lycopene, Lutein: strong antioxydant action, protects cells against free radicals
FLAVONOIDS
• Anthocyanins: act as powerful antioxydants, protects cells against free radicals
OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS
• Helps to maintain healthy levels of triglicerids
FUENTE: A. Sasson, 2005
6
European Federation of BiotechnologyBiotecnology applied to the production
of functional food
• Enzymes producing inuline and oligo-fructanes (sugar substitutes) in GM canola GM, developed by PBI-NRC in Saskatoon, Canadá.
• Soy fermentation using Aspergillus oryzae to produce “koji” (soy sauce) with high yield and quality, developed by BIOTEC, Thailand.
• Hypo-cholesterol margarine, developed by Unilever in Vlaardingen, Netherlands, in 1999.
• Food biofortificación with micronutrients (Fe, Zn, β-carotene) by plant breeding, CGIAR.
• Biofortification of rice with pro-vitamin A by genetic engineering, Golden Rice, Potrykus.
• Molecular selection of maize varieties rich in pro-vitamin A, HarvestPlus project at IITA and CGIAR.
• Bio-fortified variety of sweet potato rich in pro-vitamin A , CIP.
FUENTE: A. Sasson, 2005
7
European Federation of Biotechnology
The 8 Vavilonian Centers of Origin for crop plants
South Mexico and Central America
South American Andes
Chile
Brazil-Paraguay
China
India Indo-Malaya
Central Asia
Near East
Mediterranean
Abyssinean Center
8
European Federation of Biotechnology
Agro-biodiversity and functional food
• Only 2.8% of total discovered plant species are cultivated globally.
• Only 30 cultivated species are extensively cultivated, covering more than 90% of nutritional needs of humanity, in terms of calories and proteins.
• According to Vavilov (1935), genetic diversity of cultivated plants are concentrated in some world regions:
– AMERICA: Mexico, Región Andina, Amazonía y Chile.
– OLD WORLD: Mediterran, Ethiopia, Minor Asia, Central Asia, India, Southeast Asia.
• It is important to add value to the rich Latin American agro-biodiversity by producing functional food of high world demand.
9
European Federation of Biotechnology
• Nopal – Opuntia ficus indica (hypoglucemiant, diuretic and laxant)
• Açaí – Euterpe oleracea (anthocyanin rich, high antioxydant activity)
• Camu Camu - Myrciaria dubia (high ascorbic acid)
• Sacha Inchi – Plukenetia volubilis (seed oil rich Omega 3)
• Maca – Lepidium meyennii (integral energizer, enhances fertility and sexual behaviour)
• Yacón – Smallanthus sonchifolius (high oligofructoses, hypoglucemiant)
• Caigua – Cyclanthera pedata (diets, reduces cholesterol)
• Purple Corn - Zea mays L. var. subnigroviolacea Yarchuk (rich source of anthocyanins)
Some Latin American agro-biodiversecrops with potential as Functional Food
10
European Federation of Biotechnology
Maca (Lepidium meyennii)Açaí (Euterpe oleracea)
Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis)
Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia)
11
European Federation of Biotechnology
Yacón(Smallanthus sonchifolius)
• Yacon roots contain oligofructose
• Used fresh or as low-calorie beverages, is highly beneficial for diabetic patients.
• Since 2003, Peruvian supermarkets offer yacon products: syrup, juice, flakes,marmalade, and tea leaves.
• Small-scale production predominates;exports of yacon products have reached Japan, EU, US.
• High world demand for information on yacon.
12
European Federation of Biotechnology
Caigua(Cyclanthera pedata)
• A cucurbitaceae native of Peru, caigua is cultivated for more than 3000 years and eaten raw (salads) or boiled.
• It regulates fat metabolism reducing LDL in blood: a diet complement for persons with overweigh and high cholesterol.
• A steroidal compound (a mixture of sitosterol) may be responsible for its hipoglycemic and antilipidemic effects.
• Clinical studies at UPCH* in women showed that caigua treatment could reduce prevalence of hipercholesterolemy from 75% to 12.5%.
• Current exports are minimum ($50K in 2003).
* UPCH-Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
13
European Federation of Biotechnology
Purple corn(Zea mays)
• Purple corn, a variety of Zea mays, is a native Andean crop from low Peruvian valleys, cultivated for the past 3000 years.
• It contains substantial amounts of phenols and anthocyanins, among other phytochemicals. Its main colorant is cianidin-3-b-glucosa.
• R&D has shown that crops with the highest total phenolic and anthocyanin content also have the highest antioxidant activity.
• Anthocyanins also encourage connective tissue regeneration, are anti-inflammatory, promote blood flow and reduce cholesterol.
• Peruvians make a refreshing drink from purple corn called "chicha morada”. Exports are increasing.
14
European Federation of Biotechnology
EXAMPLES:
Uña de Gato – Uncaria tomentosaTara – Caesalpinia spinosaMuña – Minthostachys mollisMaca – Lepidium peruvianumSachaInchi - Plukenetia volubilisYacón - Smallanthus sonchifoliusHercampuri - Gentianella alborosea
Chuchuhuasi – Maytenus laevis
Re-descovery Raw Material Production Commercialization
StoragePacking
Traditional knowledge
Cultivation or coleccion
Process Biocommerce ProductsFunctional
Validación
Certification
Sangre de Grado – Croton lechleriLeche Oje - Ficus anthelmintica Chancapiedra – Phyllantus niruriCaigua – Cyclanthera pedataPasuchaca – Geranium dielsianumBarbasco – Lochocarpus nicouAchiote – Bixa orellanaPaico – Chenopodium ambrosoides LGuanabana – Annona muricataCamuCamu – Myrciaria dubia
SOURCE: C. Malpica, 2006
Cápsules,Tablets,Creams, BeveragesFunctional foods
Chain of value with limited use of R+DValorisation of biological resources
15
European Federation of BiotechnologyValue Chain with intensive use of R & D
Genetic resources valorization
Phase I Phase II Phase III
Clinical tests
ChemicalCharacte-rization
Research
Pre-clinical analysis
& validation
Products:Pharmaceuticals
Commercialization
Pharmaceutical products with high value added
Toxicology, Metabolism
Intervention tests
ChemicalCharacte-rization
Research
Function Validation
Products: Functional Foods
Commercialization
Functional foods (or nutraceuticals) with high value added
Toxicology, Functionality
Clinical testsResearch
ChemicalCharacte-rization
Products:Cosmetics
Commercialization
Cosmetics with high value added
Tests in model
organisms
Bioprospection Screening
Re-descovery
Traditionalknowledge
FunctionalValidation
Production
Production
Production
SOURCE: C. Malpica, 2006
16
European Federation of Biotechnology
Value chain with equitative distribution of benefits
in accordance to participation in value added creation
Tangible benefits:
� Service revenues: access to genetic resources and research project contract
� Technology license revenues: contribuition to IP generation
� Royalty revenues
� Milestone acheivement revenues: from product develoment to commercialization
Intangible benefits:
� Knowledge and technology transfer through common research activities
� Local capacity training
17
European Federation of Biotechnology
StateSovereign owner of genetic resources
Scientific CommunityKnowledge generation
Har
vest
ing
agre
emen
t
Access to genetic ressources (contract)
Knowledge licenseIndustryTechnology useProduct commercialization
Contra
ct
Native CommunityOwner of traditional
knowledge
Regulatio
n
Upstream company Knowledge generationTechnology tools and productingredients
Research
agreement
Licenseoption
Legal instruments and stakeholder relationships
18
European Federation of Biotechnology
BioEuroLatina Network
LA EU
Scientists
Regulators
Investors
SEBIOTEFB
EC
REDBIOAMSUD
CANMERCOSUR
CAC
RB GB WB
CompaniesASEBIO
EUROPABIOFELAEB
MX & CAC CAN MERCOSUR ES BE FR
RB GB WB
Scientists
Regulators
Investors
Companies
19
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF Project
Europe-Latin American Action in Functional Foods (EULAFF)
EC Contract N° 043158 (FOOD-SSA)
• Th EULAFF project was approved in October 2006 by the 6th Framework Program of the European Commissionl for a duration of 3 years, starting on 01 November, 2006.
• Project Coordinador: Christian Suojanen, Secretary General of the European Federation of Biotechnology-EFB (Liège, Belgium & Barcelona, Spain)
• Executive Director of the Project: Dr. Javier Verástegui, Secretary General of BioEuroLatina (Madrid, Spain).
20
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF – General Objective
• EULAFF Project is devoted to support the creation of an innovation system in the agri-food chain of functional food sectors in Europe and Latin America, with the purpose to identify and to develop new functional food products, and by this way to contribute to the sustainable development.
21
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF – Specific Objectives
• To establish an open and effective collaborative network linking academic research with industry, commerce and private financial sectors in order to develop a bi-regional agri-food sector oriented to the sustainable use of agro-biodiverse crops in Latin America.
• To contribute to the sustainable development of marginal rural areas through the strengthening of formal and informal production chains for the commercialization of sub-utilized crops with high nutritional and health improving potential.
• To promote the transfer of knowledge and innovative technologies, and to develop an appropriate protection of intellectual property in order to achieve the demands of global markets.
22
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF Consortium Member Institutions
1. European Federation of Biotechnology – EFB (Barcelona, Spain)
2. Asociación BIOEUROLATINA (Madrid, Spain)
3. Federación Latinoamericana de Asociaciones de Empresas de Biotecnología –FELAEB (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
4. The Plant Biotechnology Institute for Developing Countries, Universidad de
Gante - IPBO-UG (Ghent, Belgium)
5. Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Universidade Católica Portuguesa - ESB-UCP
(Porto, Portugal)
6. Sociedad Española de Biotecnología - SEBIOT (Madrid, Spain)
7. Fundación Chile (Santiago, Chile)
8. Corporación Colombia Internacional - CCI-Colombia (Bogotá, Colombia)
9. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária – EMBRAPA (Brasilia, Brazil)
10. Fundación PROINPA (Cochabamba, Bolivia)
11. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos – UNMSM (Lima, Peru)
12. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México – UNAM (México D.F., México)
23
European Federation of Biotechnology
*
**
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
UNMSM
*
UNAMESC-UCP
SEBIOTEFB
BioEuroLatina
Fundacion CHILE
PROINPAEMBRAPA
FELAEB
CCI
IPBO-U of Ghent
Members of theEULAFF
Consortium
24
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF - Methodology
• To achieve its objectives related to the creation of an orientedbi-regional network, the project has designed a series of conferences, debates, roundtables and symposiums with the participation of distinguished scientists and experts from the enterprise and from our members in Europe and Latin America.
• Furthermore, a virtual community network system is being developed and on-line information resources will be put in place in order to stimulate the dissemination of information related to the use of Latin American agro-biodiversity crops having the potential to become functional foods.
25
European Federation of BiotechnologyEULAFF – Working Packages (WP)
WP 1 WP 2 WP 3
Science& Technology
IPR Management and Technology Transfer
Product Development and Bio-commerce
WP 4
Year 1 (11.2006/10.2007) Year 2 (11.2007/06.2008) Year 3 (07.2008/10.2009)
Symposium:Latin American biodiversity of agricultural crops as source for functional food development, Ghent (Belgium). Postponed to: 07.2008
Symposium: Biodiversity and intellectual property rights: building a new functional food-chain. During RedBio 2007Viña del Mar (Chile) 10.2007
Roundtable: European IPR position on functional foods, at European Congress of Biotechnology, Barcelona (Spain) 09.2007
Symposium:Bio-commerce of agricultural crops with functional properties and functional food product development(Peru-Bolivia) 07.2008
Lectures:Health Ingredients EuropeFrankfurt (Germany) 11.2006Amazonian Crops (Brazil) 12.2007
Debates:Trad.Knowledge (Mexico) 03.2008Industry Round (Portugal) 05.2008
Roundtables:SMEs (Colombia) 11.2008Multinationals (Belgium) 06.2009
Virtual Community - Information flow – On-line resources
WP 5General Project Management
26
European Federation of Biotechnology
Year
Calendar 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Month 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
WP1 * * *
WP2 * * *
WP3 * * *
WP4
WP5
WP3
activities
Lectures on “Traditional medicinal plants and other uses of Amazonian Crops”. In Brazil
Health Ingredients Europe (Latin American Delegation to participate). In Frankfurt (Germany
Lectures on “Health promoting functions from Latin American Agro-biodiverse Crops”
WP1
activities
Debate on “Economic valorisation of agro-biodiverse crops: foogald
industry position on intellectual property rights”. In Portugal
Symposium “Biodiversity and intellectual property rights: building a new functional food
chain”. In Chile, during RedBio 2007
Roundtable “European IPR position on functional foods”. In Barcelona (Spain) during the 13th
European Congress on Biotechnology
Symposium “Latin American biological diversity of agricultural crops as source for functional food
development”
WP2
activities
Roundtable on
“The role of
multinational
corporations in
the trade of agro-
biodiverse
crops”. In
Belgium
Roundtable on “Regional SMEs involved in bio-
commerce of agro-biodiverse crops”. In
Colombia
Symposium “Bio-commerce of agricultural crops with
functional properties and functional food product
development”. In Peru/Bolivia
Debate on “Traditional Knowledge and industrial use of genetic
resources from biodiverse countries”. In Mexico
2006 2007 2008 2009
EULAFF – Schedule
27
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF Activities in 2006-2007
1. Conference “Health Ingredients (Hi) Europe”. Frankfurt, Germany, 14-15November 2006.
2. Seminar “EULAFF: Europe-Latin America Network for Functional Foods”.Ghent, Belgium, 16 November 2006.
3. Roundtable “European Position on IPR in Functional Food”. 13rdEuropean Congress of Biotechnology, Barcelona, Spain, 17-19 septiembre 2007.
4. Symposium “Biodiversity, Biotechnology and Intellectual Property inFunctional Food”, and Roundtable “EU-LA Cooperation inBiotechnology”, at REDBIO 2007, Viña del Mar, Chile, 22-26 Octuber 2007.
5. Workshop “Functional Food and Medicinal Use of Amazonian Crops”, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 03-05 December 2007.
28
European Federation of Biotechnology
EULAFF Activities : 2008 and 2009
1. Debate “Traditional knowledge and industrial use of geneti resources of biodiverse countries”, Mexico DF, Mexico , March 2008.
2. Debate “Economic valorization of agro-biodiverse crops: position of the food industry on intellectual property rights”, Porto, Portugal, 01 May 2008.
3. Symposium “Latin American biodiversity of agricultural crops as a source for functional food”, Ghent, Belgium, 25 July 2008.
4. Symposium “Biocommerce of agricultural crops with functional properties and development of functional food products”, Peru/Bolivia, July 2008.
5. Roundtable “The regional SMEs and the biocommerce of agro-biodiverse”, Colombia, November 2008
6. Roundtable “The role of transnational companies in the commerce of agro-biodiverse crops”, Ghent, Belgium, June 2009.
29
European Federation of Biotechnology
Some complementary and synergetic areas between EULAFF and ALCUE-FOOD projects
• Contribution to the development of a high quality and safe production chain of functional food sector in marginal rural areas, based on local agro-biodiversity crops.
• Technology transfer and training programs on phytosanitary food quality processes and standards for functional food products.
• Food safety training in functional food products based on agro-biodiverse crops
• Food quality and safety research studies for Amazonian functional food valorization chains.
Top Related