Russia’s Rusnano has plans to launch domestic production of some innovative forms of natural antioxidants, Rusnanonet Russian National Nanotech Network reports.

Rusnano’s board of directors is reportedly confident of the project’s competitiveness as the endeavor will “lead to cutting costs of end products in the food, cosmetics and pharma sectors.”

According to Rusnano, the project will utilize technology developed by Germany’s Aquanova; it enables nano-encapsulation of active organic substances in micelles about 30 nanometers in diameter.

Antioxidants are substances that inhibit cell oxidation and temper resultant physiological ageing. They are widely used for food processing and medical purposes.

The project aims at using the nanotechnology to domestically market antioxidants as inexpensive and naturally colored carbonated beverages. Today drinks typically have synthetic colors.

Researchers from across scientific spectrum work on the problem, the source emphasizes. For example, a group of scientists in Belgorod, Central Russia, is said to have developed natural phytogenous colors from elder-berry, currants and ash-berry.

Antioxidants are also in demand in medicine. Researchers at Lomonosov Moscow State University’s physicochemical biology lab are reportedly developing antioxidants to be used as a basis for next gen eye drugs. Others also work on the so-called Skulachev’s ions, antioxidants that speed up the healing of skin cuts and display other curative properties.