Researchers develop tangerine gel for artificial skin material

SEOUL, Feb. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korean researchers have developed a
tangerine-based gel to be used to make artificial skin and cosmetics, a state-run
rural development agency said Tuesday.

The gel, made using fermentative bacteria that absorb nutrients from the citrus,
is harmless to humans and can effectively protect damaged skin from infections,
the Rural Development Administration (RDA) said.
It said the use of fermentative bacteria can speed up production two-fold
compared to other ordinary bacteria currently utilized to make similar
plant-based gels. Coconut gel is currently in production but does not have the
necessary purity for medicinal purposes.
The new tangerine gel has a "high" purity rate of 80 percent and can also be used
in such cosmetics as facial masks, skin and massage creams as it has a 97.5
percent moisture retention ability.
"The gel can help retain moisture around a damaged area, while preventing contact
with the air that is vital for healing," said Choi Young-hun, an RDA researcher
in charge of the gel development.
He added that to further improve the gel's healing abilities, it could be mixed
with other types of medicine.
The RDA said that with the development the country will be able to sell related
products on the international market, which exceeds 500 billion won (US$433
million).
yonngong@yna.co.kr
(END)

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