Induchem Science Symposium focuses on the future role of omics

Switzerland-based specialty chemicals player Induchem recently held its annual Science Symposium in New York, which this year focused on the role that omics is playing in cosmetics development.

Over the years the event has grown to become a fixed date on the industry calendar thanks to first rate organization that has led to a well chosen panel of speakers and the fact that it continues to clue in on cutting edge topics.

The subject of omics covers a vast area of science that is playing an increasingly important part in the development of incredibly targeted and accurate solutions for a host of applications and industries.

What is omics?

Omics is actually a generic term for a biology-based field of study that incorporates a range of specific fields, including genomics, proteomics and mateabolomics, which all incorporate scientific intervention at a molecular level.

Induchem’s half day symposium programme was held on the afternoon of June 3rd at the Appella Center in New York, and attracted an audience of industry professionals numbering around 100 people, together with a strong speaker panel.

The program was introduced by Pierre Schwiekert, CEO of Induchem Companies, who handed it over to the first speaker of the afternoon, Dr. Stuart Lindsey PhD, professor of physics at Arizona State University.

The advantages of study at the molecular level

Dr. Lindsey focused his presentation on how the study of molecules has progressed in recent years and how the more recent advances in single molecule study have particularly helped to advance the area of omics.

The platform was then handed over to Dr. Patrick Robe, PhD, who is metagenomic project leader at Induchem sister company Libragen.

Dr. Robe focused his presentation on explaining about the development of metagenomics, explaining how it entails the study of biological materials at a genetic level and how the subsequent gene sequencing allows scientists to better understand the properties of those materials.

The presentation focused on how the information that the study of application examples has revealed, as well as explaining how the future of this field lies in the study of the human microbiome.

Induchem also showcased its own specialist, Dr. Denis Wahler PhD, who is the biocatalytic business development manager, who explained about biocatalysis and how the process of natural catalysis can be used to alter organic compounds to enhance cosmetics formulation.

How medicine is leading the way in omics

“Application of OMICS to understand Molecular basis of disease” was the title of the presentation given by Dr. Michael Snyder, PhD, of Stanford Ascherman, professor and chair of genetics.

In a fascinating presentation, Dr. Snyder explained how omics is helping to bring about a greater understanding of diseases, which in turn is helping in the development of customized medicines – a science that can be adapted for specific cosmetic applications.

Finally, a presentation by Sarah Jindal, Mintel senior innovation and insights analyst for beauty and personal care, reviewed some of the brand new product launches that are hitting the market and including omics technology, focusing on their functionality and what consumer expectations they were meeting.