TCI Laboratories is working with the University of Gdańsk, the project’s research partner, to develop an innovative formulation intended to support joint function.
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under the European Funds for Pomerania 2021–2027 programme, Measure 1.1 — Research and Innovation in Enterprises.
Objectives
Supporting joint function through a new delivery technology.
The project aims to develop an innovative food supplement intended to support joint function and the musculoskeletal system. The proposed formulation combines three functional ingredients: Boswellia serrata extract, Nigella sativa extract and the enzyme nattokinase.
The capsule-in-capsule technology is being developed to enable sequential release of the ingredients in the gastrointestinal tract. The research will assess the properties of the individual ingredients and their combinations, together with the quality, stability and performance of the resulting formulation.
Research and development
Planned activities
Physicochemical and technological research
This part of the project focuses on developing the formulation and manufacturing technology. Activities include assessing ingredient compatibility and stability, investigating release profiles, and developing analytical methods for quality control.
The analytical work covers the determination of key compounds in the plant extracts and the measurement of nattokinase activity.
Cell-based, microbiological and ecotoxicological studies
Laboratory studies will assess the biological activity, safety, bioavailability and environmental impact of the selected functional ingredients.
Cell-based experiments will investigate biological responses relevant to the intended application, including inflammatory processes, cartilage cell function and oxidative stress.
Formulation, prototype testing and commercialisation preparation
Development activities will include manufacturing process validation, preparation of pilot batches, continued stability testing and full validation of analytical methods.
The project will also produce the quality and regulatory documentation needed to support commercialisation and transfer of the technology to an industrial partner.
Recipients and results
Who will benefit?
The intended end users are primarily older adults and people seeking support for joint function and mobility.
The direct recipients of the research results will be pharmaceutical companies or distributors of health-related products interested in bringing the formulation to market. The planned commercialisation model involves licensing the technology with the relevant quality documentation, research findings and manufacturing know-how.
Expected results
The project will deliver a capsule-in-capsule formulation and manufacturing process, validated analytical methods, pilot batches, stability data and supporting technical and quality documentation, prepared for transfer into commercial practice.
Project details
Funding information
| Beneficiary and project leader | TCI Bogdan Banecki |
|---|---|
| Project partner | University of Gdańsk |
| Grant agreement number | FEPM.01.01-IP.03-0016/25-00 |
| Programme | European Funds for Pomerania 2021–2027 |
| Measure | 1.1 — Research and Innovation in Enterprises |
| Fund | European Regional Development Fund |
| Intermediate Body | Agencja Rozwoju Pomorza S.A. — Pomerania Development Agency |
| Total project cost | PLN 3,786,337.69 |
| European Union contribution | PLN 2,325,118.26 |
| Scheduled completion | 31 May 2029 |