Recent Patents on Biotechnology 2010, 4, 000-000 1 1872-2083/10 $100.00+.00 © 2010 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd. Genus Vaccinium: Medicine, Cosmetics, and Coatings Brandy J. Johnson 1, *, Baochuan Lin 1 , Jason E. Bongard 2 1 Center for Bio/Molecular Science and Engineering, Code 6900, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, 2 Nova Research Inc, Alexandria, VA 22308, USA Received: October 20, 2009; Accepted: December 31, 2009; Revised: January 5, 2010 Abstract: Vaccinium is a genus of shrubs several of which, including cranberry, lingonberry, and blueberry, produce edible fruit. Consumption of the fruit of these plants and juices pressed from it has long been known to have healthful effects. A number of functional compounds have been extracted from the fruits and seeds of these plants. Anthocyanidins and related compounds have been reported to possess antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Extracts of the fruits have been applied to the inhibition of non-enzymatic glycosylation in anti-aging preparations. The oil of the cranberry seed is high in antioxidants and is a source of omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids making it an attractive cosmetics component. The inhibition of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis by extracts of these fruits has been described. Extracts of the plants have also been applied to the development of antimicrobial paints and coatings. Here, we provide an overview of the wide range of applications described for various compounds from and preparations of these plants and survey the recent patents related to those applications. Keywords: Vaccinium, Vaccinium macrocarpon, Vaccinium myrtilloides, anti-adhesive, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, cancer. INTRODUCTION Vaccinium is a genus of shrubs in the Ericaceae family many of which are fruit producing (Table 1). Members of the genus have long been established for application in folk remedies. Native Americans, for example, used the cranberry to treat wounds and digestive problems. As early as the 1900’s, science had taken an interest in the reported benefits of the fruits [1]. Today, the efficacy of cranberries in the prevention and treatment of urinary tract infection has attracted a great deal of attention and strides have been made toward explaining the origin of those functions. Furthermore, the cranberries, cranberry juice, and extracts have been reported to have various biological effects beneficial to human health. Similar properties have also been identified from other genus Vaccinium members. Activities ranging from anti-aging to antimicrobial have been attributed to products, such as phytochemicals, produced from the fruits and seeds of these plants. This article illustrates the recent work related to these extraordinary fruits and seeks to provide some insight into the compounds of interest and their usage in various applications. Phytochemicals Plants in the genus Vaccinium produce a diverse group of phytochemicals including flavanoids, phenolic acids, res- veratrol, and triterpenoids which are needed for the growth and development of plants as well as protection against adverse factors, such as drought, UV radiation, infection, or physical damage. Flavanoids are involved in producing color *Address correspondence to this author at the 4555 Overlook Ave SW, Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, Code 6900, Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA; Tel: (202) 404 - 6100; Fax: (202) 767 - 9598; E-mail: brandy.white@nrl.navy.mil and flavor as well as in the interaction of the plants with microorganisms. Resveratrol and triterpenoids are types of antibiotics produced as part of plant defense against patho- gens. Triterpenoids are structurally diverse compounds and play functional roles in respiration, photosynthesis, and regulation of growth and development. There are more than 20,000 naturally occurring triterpenoid varieties, including oleanolic and ursolic acids, which possess antitumor and anti-inflammatory properties [2]. Phenolic acids are generally grouped as hydroxylated derivatives of benzoic or cinnamic acid. These compounds act as defense components reducing UV-B penetration and as antioxidants protecting from damage by reactive oxygen species [3]. Some common hydroxycinnamic acids are p-coumaric and ferulic acids. Benzoic acid derivatives include p-hydroxybenzoic and vanillic acids. The term flavanoid refers to a class of plant secondary metabolites based on two parent structures, coumarin and chromone. Because of the recent popularity of research surrounding flavanoids, the terms flavonoid, flavonol, anthocyanin, anthocyanidin, and proanthocyanidin are often used interchangeably and inaccurately. Figure 1 provides an example of the progression of structures along a metabolic pathway associated with anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin production and illustrates the differences between these classes of compounds [4]. The term tannin, originating from their application to the tanning of leather, is also commonly used when referring to various polyphenolic compounds. This group of compounds includes the structures shown in Fig. (1) as well as other phenolic compounds that interact with and facilitate the precipitation of proteins. Many publications have ascribed potential health benefits to these types of compounds. 112-124 112