Generales

By Redacción UdeA Noticias 

The Universidad de Antioquia and Ecohome signed a licensing agreement to commercialize two patents developed by researchers at the Alma Mater. These innovations originate from a refined extract of the Sapindus saponaria tree, known for its benefits in skin care and treatment of skin diseases. This accomplishment results from 18 years of research by Pecet and the Organic Chemistry of Natural Products group. 

The license agreement was signed at Ecohome’s headquarters in La Ceja, Antioquia.  

The Universidad de Antioquia has long championed that scientific knowledge should tackle real-world challenges. Strengthening this commitment, on March 7, 2025, the Alma Mater signed a licensing agreement with Ecohome to bring two of its knowledge assets to market. 

One patent supports the development of personal care, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products, while the other is an industrial secret that optimizes saponin production. This natural compound, found in various plants, acts as a surfactant by reducing water’s surface tension and creating foam, paving the way for new product innovations in the industry.  

These patents are the result of over 18 years of research by Pecet, part of the Faculty of Medicine, and the Organic Chemistry of Natural Products group, affiliated with the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences at UdeA.   

“This agreement reflects years of dedication and hard work, demonstrating that basic research can lead to impactful public health solutions. Beyond being an academic milestone, it represents the opportunity to turn a laboratory discovery into a practical tool for those who need it most,” said Sara María Robledo, director of Pecet.   

This alliance will refine the saponin production process, improving the purity of Ecohome’s product, expanding market opportunities, and driving innovations. Ecohome will launch the product after completing the clinical evaluation phase.  

Ecohome’s manager, Maritza López Parra, described this contract as essential for product development and international expansion.   

“We value university-business collaboration and look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Universidad de Antioquia. We aim to capture 1% of the global triterpene saponin market through innovative bioproducts while building a regenerative, community-driven supply chain to restore the Tropical Dry Forest, one of Colombia’s most endangered ecosystems,” said López Parra.   

Transferring knowledge to the productive sector 

These patents result from nearly two decades of research on a refined extract of the Sapindus saponaria tree, known for its bioactive properties and a chemically synthesized compound derived from witaolides. Their combination has proven highly effective for healing and cosmetic applications. These breakthroughs produced two knowledge assets licensed to Ecohome for commercial use. 

“These opportunities are vital for UdeA research groups with innovative ideas, enabling them to transfer knowledge and make a meaningful impact on the community. Bringing these discoveries to the business sector ensures that the university’s research drives real-world solutions,” said Claudia Marcela Vélez, Vice Rector of Research at the Alma Mater.  

The licensing agreement with Ecohome plays a crucial role in transforming research into real-world clinical and social impact. It puts science into action, improving thousands of lives while positioning the researchers’ work as a leader in biotechnological innovation. This collaboration reinforces applied science that drives social and economic progress in Colombia and beyond.  

Ana Lucía Pérez Patiño, UdeA’s Vice Rector of Extension, highlighted the significance of this agreement, calling it a source of pride for the university. She emphasized the value of bridging research and industry to develop products that enhance health and well-being. Encouraging further collaboration, she invited research groups and companies within UdeA’s innovation ecosystem to continue driving scientific and technological progress in the region.