Mushroom-derived Polysaccharide Based Products

Team  Dr Gail CHANG  Prof. Amber CHIOU  Prof. WONG Ka Hing

Department of Food Science and Nutrition | Research Institute for Future Food

PolyU’s research on mushroom polysaccharides has driven the commercial adoption of two health-focused products Akkmore and Cs4-SeNPs. These products address the industry needs and aim to improve health outcomes in managing obesity, osteoporosis and co-morbidities.

AkkMore, a Tremella polysaccharide-based fat replacer, underpinned a University spin-out company to secure HK$9million in investment and grants and create highly-skilled jobs. AkkMore has been adopted by the health-food sector and integrated into a range of products generating HK$1.5million in sales.

Cs4-SeNPs, selenium nanoparticles functionalised with mushroom-derived Cordyceps sinensis polysaccharide-protein complex provides bone-protective properties. The technology is licensed to a Hong Kong-listed health food company, generating annual sales of around HK$1.1million.