The Science behind Oleosome Technology

What are Oleosomes?

All plant seeds that store triglycerides as future energy sources, eg. safflower, sunflower, canola, cottonseed, etc, sequester these oils in specialized organelles called Oleosomes. 

Cross-section of a Safflower Seed.

The location of Oleosomes within a typical oil bearing seed.

Spherical in shape, and one to three microns in diameter, an Oleosome consists of an inner reservoir of triglycerides and vitamins, surrounded by a phospholipid layer, which in turn is encapsulated by unique proteins called oleosins. 

Oleosome Structure.

Structural depiction of a plant Oleosome with oleosin proteins covering its surface. In the above structure, the hydrophobic portion of the protein is represented by the thick area and the hydrophilic portion is represented by the thinner portion.

Botaneco isolates Oleosomes intact, in the form of an o/w emulsion.  This is done via a proprietary, solvent-free process. In this form, Oleosomes can either be used as a primary emulsifier to form very effective and mild, cosmetic emulsions, or they can be used as delivery systems wherein they deliver to the skin or hair the contents found naturally within the structure e.g. triglycerides, anti-oxidants, etc.

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