SAPONIN AND CYCLIC PEPTIDES
The R & D efforts of CCC are lead by Dr. John Balsevich who has 15 years of experience with saponins and cyclic peptides through his previous assignment with National Research Council in Saskatoon.
CANCER VACCINE WORK WITH U OF S
A few years earlier, he worked with the Cancer Center of the Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and showed that some saponin fractions which he identified and tested are specifically inhibiting certain cancer cell lines with a high difference compared to controls. This application has been patented, and the technology is under development.
NEW VACCINE ADJUVANT RESULTS
Most recently, John's previous work on vaccine adjuvants was enhanced by identifying a new way of extracting a single chemical entity of one single saponin which is highly immune-responsive, with low toxicity based on liposome formation. This single saponin was compared to QS-21, the only other saponin adjuvant, and it is much simpler to produce and safer to apply for veterinary applications. Human trials still have to be carried out.
EMULSIFERS AND FRACTIONATION
Since 2013, CCC examined sustainable, industrial solutions for various chemical applications such as emulsifiers. In 2013, CCC has completed two studies, one with POS BioSciences to develop processing. Another study with PAMI in Humboldt resulted in optimum milling conditions. A third study showed how to separate seed embryos from whole carnation grain. Another study with Saskatchewan Research Council showed how to separate several of the seed products for industrial applications.