Within the H2020 VES4US and ongoing H2020 BOW projects, key attributes of raw and loaded microalgae-derived extracellular vesicles (named algosomes) and their production process were validated at lab scale (TRL4), achieving significant milestones:
– Established microalgae cultivation using photoautotrophic bioreactors, optimizing quality-based productivity by TFF EV-isolation.
– Full characterization of algosomes.
– Quality control: Integrated QC&QA processes ensuring consistent quality.
– Preclinical demonstration: Biocompatibility, safety, and uptake were confirmed in vivo using the Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse models
– Algosome functionalization and loading: Loaded algosomes with hydrophobic/hydrophilic molecules, RNAs, and large proteins, achieving high loading efficiency and validated efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Targeted localization in skin and bone was observed in mouse biodistribution studies.
– EVE Biofactory incorporation: Launched in September 2022, EVE Biofactory recruited employees, secured IP transfer, filed an additional patent, and signed agreements with a cosmetic company, generating initial revenues.

