Topical Skin Application Research Articles

An Experimental Study of Morphofunctional Features of Hair Follicles Early Response in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Alopecia

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of 3-β-methoxy-Δ18-oleanene (miliacin) on the structural and functional reorganization of hair follicles at the early response stage in the simulated cyclophosphamide-induced alopecia. Material and methods. The study involved 30 male C57BL/6 mice with the anagen stage induced by depilation of hair shafts from the skin of the back. The animals were divided into five groups: I and II – control groups, III, IV and V groups – experimental ones. The animals of group I were exposed to depilation only. The animals of group IV was daily exposed to topical skin applications of 3-β-methoxy-Δ18- oleanene (miliacin) diluted in polyoxyethylated (20) sorbitan oleate in the area of depilation. The animals of group V were only exposed to polyoxyethylated (20) sorbitan oleate. In 9 days after depilation, the animals of the experimental groups received a single injection of cyclophosphamide solution, dosage 125 mg/kg, intraperitoneally; the animals of the control group II received the same volume of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. All animals were withdrawn from the experiment on day 15. The skin of the back in the depilation zone was studied using light microscopy, morphometry and statistics. Results. In 15 days after anagen induction, all hair follicles were synchronized at the anagen VI stage in the skin of mice in the control groups. Exclusively dystrophic forms of hair follicles were detected in the skin of mice of groups III and V. In the skin of animals of group IV, hair follicles predominated in the early and middle anagen stages without signs of dystrophy; the portion of hair follicles in the late dystrophic catagen stage accounted for only 9.2±3.27% of the total number of hair follicles. Conclusion. Topical use of a composition with 3-β-methoxy-Δ18-oleanene (miliacin) leads to an accelerated transition of chemically damaged hair follicles from the anagen VI stage to the dystrophic catagen and a shortening of the telogen stage, which resulted in the entry of the overwhelming majority of hair follicles of mice in this group into the next new cycle of hair follicle development (anagen stages I, II, III).

Anti-aging effect of mustard and flax seed oils based nanoemulsion gel on aged rat skin through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

Skin aging is a common issue that is linked to changes in skin physiology, hydration, and barrier function. Dietary fatty acids (FA), particularly poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), can influence skin characteristics. It is reported that a deficiency of fatty acids in the skin is associated with skin aging. Therefore, the goal of the current study is to evaluate the antiaging effect of flaxseed oil or mustard oil-based nanoemulsion gel rich in fatty acids such as omega 3 on D-galactose-induced skin aging. N-hexane was used to extract the oils of black mustard and flax seed from their seeds, and the oils' fatty acid composition was then determined. A full factorial design was created to assess the impact of three variables: oil type, oil concentration, and S:Cos ratio, on various responses: globule size, zeta potential, and emulsification time of the self-nanoemulsifying system. Additionally, the polydispersity index, transmittance percentage, refractive index, cloud point, and viscosity were also estimated. TEM of the optimized formulations revealed a spherical form of oil globules with nanosize. The values for the zeta potential ranged from -12 to -34.2 mV. The optimized formulations were incorporated into a hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose solution to form a nanoemulsion gel. Skin aging was induced using the D-galactose model, and the impact of topical skin application of the optimized formulation gels on different biomarkers such as amino acids, B5, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory mediators and histopathological examination was evaluated. The results showed a considerable improvement in the evaluated parameters of the treated groups when compared to the untreated D-galactose group. The findings suggest that the nanoemulsifying system utilizing high doses of fixed plant oils could serve as a promising vehicle for enhancing skin rejuvenation. Flaxseed oil formulation showed greater potential compared to mustard oil formulation as skin antiaging.

Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Freshwater Sapropel Extracts: In Vitro Analysis and Antioxidant Profiling for Skincare Applications.

Background and Objective: Sapropel, a biologically active sedimentary deposit, is high in organic matter and minerals and has been shown to offer health benefits. Its constituents, humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA), have been found to have some therapeutic applications. The aim of this study was to determine the potential therapeutically significant properties of freshwater sapropel extracts: their polyacid content, antioxidative (AO) status, and biological activity in cell culture. Materials and Methods: Freshwater lakes from the southeast region of Latvia were investigated layer by layer. The total organic carbon (TOC) was determined through combustion using the catalytic oxidation method, HA and FA were measured via acid perspiration, and the total polyphenol content (TPC) and total antioxidant status (TAS) was analysed spectrophotometrically. Sapropel extracts' regenerative abilities were tested in vitro using a Cell-IQ real-time monitoring system on mouse BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts and human keratinocyte HaCaT cell lines. Cytotoxicity was measured through neutral red uptake assessment as a concentration-dependent reduction in the uptake of neutral red dye relative to a vehicle control or untreated cells. Results: The highest AO activity was observed in sapropel extracts with elevated concentrations of HA and TPC from Audzelu Lake (1.08 ± 0.03 mmol/L), and the lowest activity was found in extracts from Ivusku Lake (0.31 ± 0.01 mmol/L). Correspondingly, the concentrations of HA in Audzelu and Ivusku Lakes were recorded as 45.2 and 27.4 mg/g, respectively. High concentrations of HA promoted in vitro cell growth upon short-term exposure (up to 6 h). Conclusions: The results show that high TPC correlates with AO status and sapropel extracts with higher concentrations of HA exhibit greater AO activity and promote in vitro cell growth, suggesting a perspective use for short-term topical therapeutic skin applications. However, higher concentrations over longer durations showed cytotoxic effects, indicating the need for further investigation.

Topical Skin Application of Small-Molecule Antiplatelet Agent against Pressure Injury in Rat Models.

Due to prolonged forced positioning, the incidence of intraoperative pressure injuries is high. This study aimed to explore the impact of small-molecule antiplatelet drugs on pressure injuries by locally applying them before an injury occurs. In the first part of this study, water-soluble tracers with different molecular weights were applied to normal and early-stage pressure-injured skin. Through digital cameras, spectrophotometers, and histological observations, the penetration of tracers into the epidermis was clarified. In the second part of this study, a water-soluble antiplatelet drug called Trapidil (molecular weight = 205 Da) was applied to the left side of the back of a rat before, during, and after compression, and the contralateral side served as a non-intervention control group. The differences in pressure injuries between the two groups were observed through a digital camera, an ultraviolet camera, and temperature measurement, and skin circulation and perfusion were assessed via an intravenous injection of Evans Blue. The first part of this study found that water-soluble tracers did not easily penetrate normal skin but could more easily penetrate pressure-damaged skin. The smaller the molecular weight of the tracer, the easier it penetrated the skin. Therefore, in the next step of research, water-soluble drugs with smaller molecular weights should be selected. The second part of this study found that, compared with the control group, the occurrence rates and areas of ulcers were lower, the gray value was higher, and the skin temperature was lower in the Trapidil group (p < 0.05). After the intravenous Evans Blue injection, skin circulation and perfusion in the Trapidil group were found to be better. In conclusion, this study found that the topical skin application of a small-molecule antiplatelet agent may have significant effects against pressure injuries by improving post-decompression ischemia, providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of intraoperative pressure injuries.

PH-dependent release properties of curcumin encapsulated alginate nanoparticles in skin and artificial sweat

Topical skin application of curcumin is challenging due to the low solubility and poor stability, including fast photodegradation, of this bioactive compound. Therefore, curcumin encapsulated alginate (CU-Al) nanoparticles were prepared by the ionic gelation method followed by freeze drying to determine the efficacy of alginate in facilitating curcumin release. Evaluation of the release of curcumin from the encapsulate in the presence of artificial sweat (pH 4.7) and skin (pH 5.5), about which the literature is meagre, was carried out after particle size characterization. CU-Al nanoparticles were in the nano-range (186.8 nm), assimilated a negative zeta-potential value (-15.4 ± 8.13 mV), and displayed a high encapsulation efficiency (94.55 ± 0.53%). The release of encapsulated curcumin at pH 5.5 (max. 64%) and at pH 4.7 (max. 27%) were significantly different. In pH 5.5 and pH 4.7, the release profiles of encapsulated curcumin fitted best with the Weibull (followed an anomalous transport mechanism) and Gompertz (followed a super case II transport mechanism) models respectively, displaying sigmoidal release patterns. Diffusion and polymer relaxation/swelling based release at pH 5.5 and rapid polymer relaxation/erosion based release at pH 4.7 have governed the encapsulated curcumin release. The results indicated that CU-Al nanoparticles may be utilized to facilitate controlled and prolonged release of curcumin in both skin and artificial sweat, thereby functioning as a promising novel delivery vehicle for curcumin. However, skin deposition or penetration may be required for yielding a satisfactory topical administration of curcumin during sweating.

Transient Receptor Potential Channel Vanilloid 1 Contributes to Facial Mechanical Hypersensitivity in a Mouse Model of Atopic Asthma

Sensitive skin, a common pathophysiological feature of allergic diseases, is defined as an unpleasant sensation in response to stimuli that normally should not provoke such sensations. However, the relationship between allergic inflammation and hypersensitive skin in the trigeminal system remains to be elucidated. To explore whether bronchial allergic inflammation affects facial skin and primary sensory neurons, we used an ovalbumin (OVA)–induced asthma mouse model. Significant mechanical hypersensitivity was observed in the facial skin of mice with pulmonary inflammation induced by OVA sensitization compared to mice treated with adjuvant or vehicle as controls. The skin of OVA-treated mice showed an increased number of nerve fibers, especially rich intraepithelial nerves, compared to controls. Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid 1 (TRPV1)–immunoreactive nerves were enriched in the skin of OVA-treated mice. Moreover, epithelial TRPV1 expression was higher in OVA-treated mice than in controls. Trigeminal ganglia of OVA-treated mice displayed larger numbers of activated microglia/macrophages and satellite glia. In addition, more TRPV1 immunoreactive neurons were found in the trigeminal ganglia of OVA-treated mice than in controls. Mechanical hypersensitivity was suppressed in OVA-treated Trpv1-deficient mice, while topical skin application of a TRPV1 antagonist before behavioral testing reduced the reaction induced by mechanical stimulation. Our findings reveal that mice with allergic inflammation of the bronchi had mechanical hypersensitivity in the facial skin that may have resulted from TRPV1-mediated neuronal plasticity and glial activation in the trigeminal ganglion.

A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of SHR0302 Base Ointment in Healthy Adult Volunteers

Introduction: SHR0302 is a highly selective JAK1 inhibitor. This study aimed to investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single and multiple-dose topical skin application of SHR0302 base ointment in healthy adult subjects. Methods: This phase I clinical trial (registration number: CTR20192188) consisted of two parts. Part 1 was a single-dose ascending study with four dose levels in 32 healthy Australian adults (8 subjects in each dose group). All Australian subjects were randomized 3:1 to a single-dose topical skin application of SHR0302 base ointment or placebo. The dose escalated from 1% SHR0302 base ointment on 3% of body surface area (BSA) to 2% SHR0302 base ointment on 20% of BSA. Part 2 combined single and multiple-dose ascension studies with two dose levels in 20 healthy Chinese adults (10 subjects in each dose group). All Chinese subjects were randomized 4:1 to a combination of single and multiple doses for consecutive 10 days of topical application of 1% SHR0302 base ointment on 20% BSA or 2% SHR0302 base ointment on 20% BSA. The safety and pharmacokinetics of the SHR0302 base ointment were evaluated. Results: The incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in both parts was comparable between the SHR0302 base ointment group and the vehicle group (part 1: 33.3% vs. 37.5%; part 2: 56.3% vs. 75.0%). All TEAEs were transient, recovered, and equally well-tolerated in the two racial groups. The overall absorption of the SHR0302 base ointment was slow after topical application, with T_max>10 h. After a single dose of the SHR0302 base ointment, drug exposure in healthy Australian and Chinese subjects increased nonlinearly with the increase in the administration area and drug content. Drug exposure increased in a less-than-dose-proportional manner within the dose range tested. Due to differences in the clinical practice of topical application, the T_max of the drug in Australian subjects was earlier than in Chinese subjects, but the overall extent of absorption seemed comparable in Australian and Chinese subjects (with comparable AUC_0-t). Conclusion: The SHR0302 base ointment (either single or multiple doses) was well tolerated and safe, with no racial disparity. Key Message: The SHR0302 base ointment (either single or multiples doses) was well tolerated and safe.

The Use of Urea Cream for Hand Eczema and Urea Foam for Seborrheic Dermatitis and Psoriasiform Dermatoses of the Scalp.

Urea as an ingredient in topical skin applications can aid skin integrity and hydration and have keratolytic, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-pruritic effects. Skin conditions that urea-containing formulations have been utilized to treat include hand eczema/dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasiform dermatoses of the scalp. Two monocentric, simple blind, observational studies were carried out in healthy participants to examine the efficacy and safety of two urea-containing products in these skin conditions. Study 1 tested the actions of a commercially available 30% urea topical cream on hand eczema. The product was applied ≥2/day for 28 ±2 days. Transepidermal water loss, skin redness, skin hydration, and participant ratings of efficacy and qualities were assessed prior to first product application and on days 14 and 29. Study 2 tested the actions of a commercially available foaming product containing 10% urea on seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasiform dermatoses. The product was applied ≥2/day for 28 ±2 days. Desquamation index and surface occupied by squames, analysis of extracted squames, microscopic assessment of scalp photos and participant ratings of product efficacy and qualities was carried out prior to first product application and on days 14 and 29. In Study 1 (n = 20 females), results showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in transepidermal water loss, with an increase in hydration level of the upper skin layers, and a decrease in skin redness. In Study 2 (n = 13 females, 7 males), product use led to significant (p < 0.05) decreases in desquamation measures and dryness. In both studies, the majority of participants "agreed" or "slightly agreed" that the product had good efficacy and was easy to apply. No adverse reactions were reported. These findings point to the utility of urea in topically applied vehicles for hand eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasiform dermatoses.

Dual Nanostructured Lipid Carriers/Hydrogel System for Delivery of Curcumin for Topical Skin Applications.

This work focuses on the development and evaluation of a dual nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)/Carbopol®-based hydrogel system as a potential transporter for the topical delivery of curcumin to the skin. Two populations of different sized negatively charged NLCs (P1, 70–90 nm and P2, 300–350 nm) were prepared and characterized by means of dynamic light scattering. NLCs presented an ovoid platelet shape confirmed by transmission electron microscopy techniques. Curcumin NLC entrapment efficiency and release profiles were assessed by HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography) and spectrophotometric methods. Preservation and enhancement of curcumin (CUR) antioxidant activity in NLCs (up to 7-fold) was established and cell viability assays on fibroblasts and keratinocytes indicated that CUR-NLCs are non-cytotoxic for concentrations up to 10 μM and exhibited a moderate anti-migration/proliferation effect (20% gap reduction). CUR-NLCs were then embedded in a Carbopol®-based hydrogel without disturbing the mechanical properties of the gel. Penetration studies on Franz diffusion cells over 24 h in CUR-NLCs and CUR-NLCs/gels demonstrated an accumulation of CUR in Strat-M® membranes of 22% and 5%, respectively. All presented data support the use of this new dual CUR-NLC/hydrogel system as a promising candidate for adjuvant treatment in topical dermal applications.

Acne cream reduces the deep Cutibacterium acnes tissue load before elective open shoulder surgery: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

Cutibacterium acnes is the main pathogen in periprosthetic shoulder infections. In acne vulgaris therapy, benzoyl peroxide-miconazole nitrate cream effectively reduces the superficial C acnes burden of the skin. Its additional potential in the subcutaneous and capsular layers (eg, for prevention of future periprosthetic shoulder infections) is unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a topical acne vulgaris cream (benzoyl peroxide-miconazole nitrate) to reduce subcutaneous and capsular C acnes in individuals with C acnes skin colonization undergoing open shoulder surgery. A prospective randomized pilot trial was performed, allocating 60 adult patients (1:1) to either a 7-day preoperative application of a commercial acne cream (benzoyl peroxide-miconazole nitrate) on the preoperative skin (intervention group) or no cream (control group) from November 1, 2018, to May 31, 2020. The superficial skin of the shoulder was sampled at enrollment and before incision, and deep subcutaneous and capsular shoulder samples were taken during surgery. Sixty patients (mean age, 59 years; 55% female patients) undergoing primary open shoulder surgery (17 Latarjet procedures and 43 arthroplasties) were included in the study. At baseline, both randomized groups showed the presence of C acnes on the skin at a rate of 60% (18 of 30 patients in intervention group and 19 of 30 patients in control group, P=.79). In patients with C acnes skin colonization, the intervention resulted in a significant reduction in the overall number of intraoperative samples with positive findings compared with the control group (8 of 18 patients vs. 16 of 19 patients, P=.01), especially in capsular samples (0 of 18 patients vs. 4 of 19 patients, P=.04). The topical 7-day preoperative skin application of acne cream (benzoyl peroxide-miconazole nitrate) significantly reduced the intraoperative C acnes load in 56% of the patients in the intervention group compared with 16% of the control patients.

Novel Formulation of Fusidic Acid Incorporated into a Myrrh-Oil-Based Nanoemulgel for the Enhancement of Skin Bacterial Infection Treatment.

Fusidic acid (FA) is renowned as an effective bacteriostatic agent obtained from the fungus Fusidium coccineum, used for treating various eye and skin disorders. The objective of the present study was to develop, characterize, and evaluate the antibacterial activity of a novel FA nanoemulgel for topical skin application. Primarily, various fusidic acid nanoemulsion formulations were fabricated using different concentrations of myrrh essential oil, Tween 80 as a surfactant, and Transcutol® P as a co-surfactant. A Box–Behnken design was employed to select the optimized FA nanoemulsion formulation, based on the evaluated particle size and % of in vitro release as dependent variables. The optimized formula was incorporated within a hydrogel to obtain an FA nanoemulgel (FA-NEG) preparation. The formulated FA-NEG was evaluated for its visual appearance, pH, viscosity, and spreadability, compared to its corresponding prepared fusidic acid gel. In vitro release, kinetic study, and ex vivo drug permeation were implemented, followed by formulation stability testing. The FA-NEG exhibited a smooth and homogeneous appearance, pH value (6.61), viscosity (25,265 cP), and spreadability (33.6 mm), which were all good characteristics for appropriate topical application. A total of 59.3% of FA was released from the FA-NEG after 3 h. The ex vivo skin permeability of the FA-NEG was significantly enhanced by 3.10 ± 0.13-fold, showing SSTF of 111.2 ± 4.5 µg/cm2·h when compared to other formulations under investigation (p < 0.05). No irritation was observed upon applying the FA-NEG to animal skin. Eventually, it was revealed that the FA-NEG displayed improved antibacterial activity against a wide variety of bacteria when compared to its corresponding FA gel and marketed cream, indicating the prospective antibacterial effect of myrrh essential oil. In conclusion, the recommended formulation offers a promising antibacterial approach for skin infections.

3D-Printed Products for Topical Skin Applications: From Personalized Dressings to Drug Delivery.

3D printing has been widely used for the personalization of therapies and on-demand production of complex pharmaceutical forms. Recently, 3D printing has been explored as a tool for the development of topical dosage forms and wound dressings. Thus, this review aims to present advances related to the use of 3D printing for the development of pharmaceutical and biomedical products for topical skin applications, covering plain dressing and products for the delivery of active ingredients to the skin. Based on the data acquired, the important growth in the number of publications over the last years confirms its interest. The semisolid extrusion technique has been the most reported one, probably because it allows the use of a broad range of polymers, creating the most diverse therapeutic approaches. 3D printing has been an excellent field for customizing dressings, according to individual needs. Studies discussed here imply the use of metals, nanoparticles, drugs, natural compounds and proteins and peptides for the treatment of wound healing, acne, pain relief, and anti-wrinkle, among others. The confluence of 3D printing and topical applications has undeniable advantages, and we would like to encourage the research groups to explore this field to improve the patient’s life quality, adherence and treatment efficacy.

Cefotaxime Loaded Polycaprolactone Based Polymeric Nanoparticles with Antifouling Properties for In-Vitro Drug Release Applications.

The objective of the present study was to achieve the successful encapsulation of a therapeutic agent to achieve antifouling functionality regarding biomedical applications. Considering nanotechnology, drug-loaded polycaprolactone (PCL)-based nanoparticles were prepared using a nano-precipitation technique by optimizing various process parameters. The resultant nano-formulations were investigated for in vitro drug release and antifouling applications. The prepared particles were characterized in terms of surface morphology and surface properties. Optimized blank and drug-loaded nanoparticles had an average size of 200 nm and 216 nm, respectively, with associated charges of −16.8 mV and −11.2 mV. Studies of the in vitro release of drug were carried out, which showed sustained release at two different pH, 5.5 and 7.4 Antifouling activity was observed against two bacterial strains, Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The zone of inhibition of the optimized polymeric drug-loaded nanoparticle F-25 against both strains were compared with the pure drug. The gradual pH-responsive release of antibiotics from the biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles could significantly increase the efficiency and pharmacokinetics of the drug as compared to the pure drug. The acquired data significantly noted that the resultant nano-encapsulation of antifouling functionality could be a promising candidate for topical drug delivery systems and skin applications.

Magnetic hyperthermia studies in magnetite ferrofluids based on bio-friendly oils extracted from Calophyllum inophyllum, Brassica juncea, Ricinus communis and Madhuca longifolia

We study the magnetic hyperthermia efficiency of magnetite ferrofluids based on bio-friendly oils extracted from Calophyllum inophyllum (punnaga), Brassica juncea (mustard), Ricinus communis (castor) and Madhuca longifolia (iluppai) seeds. Reported medicinal uses of these bio-friendly oils make them interesting candidates for hyperthermia from a perspective of topical skin applications. Magneto-caloric experiments are performed at a fixed frequency of 126 kHz and varying field amplitudes of 33.1–25.7 kA/m. Experimental findings show that field induced heating efficiency is the highest for the punnaga oil based ferrofluids (~170.0 ± 8.2 W/gFe) and the estimated intrinsic loss power of ~ 1.26 nHm2kg−1 is found to be comparable to several commercially available ferrofluids. The obtained results further indicate that field induced heating efficiency increased by ~ 11 times on ~ 88% reduction in medium viscosity, which is due to the reduction in Brownian relaxation time of the dispersed magnetite nanoparticles at lower medium viscosity. Dynamic hysteresis loop simulations are carried out to theoretically estimate the heating efficiencies and the experimental and theoretical data are found to exhibit similar trends. The obtained results are beneficial for optimal design of bio-friendly oil based ferrofluids for possible topical hyperthermia applications over skin surfaces.

An approach and algorithm for optimal periocular rejuvenation

The periocular area is one of the first areas to show the signs of facial ageing. These signs occur for a variety of reasons, including loss of collagen and soft tissue changes, bone resorption and facial fat pad descent and degradation. There are many variables that impact an individual's ability to age at an accelerated or slower rate, based on various topical skin applications, energy- and non-energy-based skin regeneration therapies and lifestyle choices and the internal ageing processes specific to each individual. In this article, from a Canadian perspective, the author will discuss a treatment algorithm to provide optimal rejuvenation in the delicate and hypermobile periocular area, while taking into consideration patient safety, coupled with clinically efficacious rejuvenation options.

The role of lactobacilli in inhibiting skin pathogens

The human skin microbiota forms a key barrier against skin pathogens and is important in modulating immune responses. Recent studies identify lactobacilli as endogenous inhabitants of healthy skin, while inflammatory skin conditions are often associated with a disturbed skin microbiome. Consequently, lactobacilli-based probiotics are explored as a novel treatment of inflammatory skin conditions through their topical skin application. This review focuses on the potential beneficial role of lactobacilli (family Lactobacillaceae) in the skin habitat, where they can exert multifactorial local mechanisms of action against pathogens and inflammation. On one hand, lactobacilli have been shown to directly compete with skin pathogens through adhesion inhibition, production of antimicrobial metabolites, and by influencing pathogen metabolism. The competitive anti-pathogenic action of lactobacilli has already been described mechanistically for common different skin pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, and Candida albicans. On the other hand, lactobacilli also have an immunomodulatory capacity associated with a reduction in excessive skin inflammation. Their influence on the immune system is mediated by bacterial metabolites and cell wall-associated or excreted microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). In addition, lactobacilli can also enhance the skin barrier function, which is often disrupted as a result of infection or in inflammatory skin diseases. Some clinical trials have already translated these mechanistic insights into beneficial clinical outcomes, showing that topically applied lactobacilli can temporarily colonize the skin and promote skin health, but more and larger clinical trials are required to generate in vivo mechanistic insights and in-depth skin microbiome analysis.

Formulation and Characterization of a Kinetically Stable Topical Nanoemulsion Containing the Whitening Agent Kojic Acid

The research was carried out to synthesize a stable kojic acid (KA) encapsulated nanoemulsion as a whitening agent for topical skin usage. In this study, the oil-in-water (O/W) KA nanoemulsion was formulated using integrated low and high energy methods that combined ultrasonic and hot temperature inversion methods. Several different combinations of parameters were screened, viz. xanthan gum amount (1.0 to 2.0 g), kojic acid (KA) amount (0.5 to 1.5 g), and surfactant-to-water ratio (1:10.75 to 1:4.875), to prepare a stable KA nanoemulsion. The identified best parameters to design the O/W KA nanoemulsion were then subjected to different stability tests: storage and pH stability (freeze-thaw and centrifugal tests). Results revealed that the Trial 6 formulation, with the highest ratio of Tween 80 to water (1:4.875 v/v), yielded the best polydispersity index at 0.255 ± 0.006 with an average particle size of 90.57 ± 1.401 nm. The formulation retained the recommended pH range (pH 4.95–5.18) for topical skin applications within six-week storage under room condition. The nanoemulsions were also kinetically stable as proven by the absence of phase separation after the centrifugation, freeze-thaw cycle, and storage temperature (2 and 25 °C) tests, except at the 37 °C three-week extended storage. The results collectively showed that the formulated O/W KA nanoemulsion is suitable for topical application on human skin.

Improvement of Atopic Dermatitis by Synbiotic Baths.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a widespread chronic inflammatory dermatologic disorder. This randomized, double-blind study aims to evaluate the effect of synbiotic baths with a defined mixture of six viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and prebiotics, without bacteria and prebiotics and placebo baths without prebiotics and bacteria to treat AD patients over a period of 14 days. Therefore, AD patients were randomly assigned into three groups using synbiotic (n = 7), prebiotics (n = 8) or placebo baths (n = 7). Severity of AD was evaluated over time by using severity scoring of atopic dermatitis (SCORAD) and by patient questionnaires. In addition, microbiome on eczematous skin surface was sampled by swaps from each patient before the bath treatment, and after 9, 11 and 14 days of bath treatment. Thereafter, nucleic acids were extracted and the bacterial 16S rRNA gene was amplified via PCR for subsequent amplicon sequencing. Results showed a significantly reduced SCORAD over time of AD patients after daily synbiotic or prebiotic baths. Moreover, AD patients after daily synbiotic baths had a significantly improved pruritus and skin dryness and their bacterial microbiome was enriched by LAB. Taken together, a synbiotic bath is a promising topical skin application to alleviate AD.

Chemical Composition and Ultraviolet Absorption Activity of an Aqueous Alkali Extract from the Fruiting Bodies of the Tinder Conk Mushroom, Fomes fomentarius (Agaricomycetes).

White rot mushroom Fomes fomentarius is a medicinal fungus with great potential to be explored. This work focused on the chemical composition of a basic aqueous extract from F. fomentarius fruiting bodies. The extract was mostly composed of phenolics, carbohydrates, minerals, and crude fat with a low amount of proteins and chitin. One-third of the total carbohydrates were in the form of beta-glucans with minor amounts of alpha-glucans. The most valuable essential part of the extract was composed of an acid-resistant ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing mixture of phenolic compounds such as melanins, lignins, and humic acids. These compounds, also referred to as melanin-like pigments, provided for the high antioxidant activity of the extract measured in vitro. Moderate sun-protective capacity was observed with regard to UVB rays and also expected in the UVA range. Quantification of melanin-like pigments in the F. fomentarius extract was possible either gravimetrically as acid-insoluble residue or spectrophotometrically in the UV region. Melanin estimation, based on nitrogen measurements, offered misleading results due to the presence of nitrogen-free melanins along with other nitrogen-containing compounds such as proteins and chitin. F. fomentarius water-soluble basic extract, containing beta-glucans and rich in melanin-like substances, could be used, for example, for topical skin application to prevent cell damage caused by excessive UV exposure or cytotoxic free radicals. The bioactive potential, safety, and further applications of the F. fomentarius extract are currently being investigated.

Optimization of oil-in-water nanoemulsion system of Ananas comosus peels extract by D-optimal mixture design and its physicochemical properties

Ananas comosus (A. comosus) is one of the many commercial crops in Asian countries well-known for its medicinal characteristics, and widely popular in the food industry. Nonetheless, large quantities of the antioxidant rich pineapple peels (PP) are discarded or used as animal fodder, thus the full potential of the PP for nanocosmeceutical applications remain untapped. This study assessed the use of D-optimal mixture design for optimizing droplet size and polydispersity index (PDI) of PP extract nanoemulsion (AcPEN), for four different independent variables (olive oil, grapeseed oil, Tween 80, water). The identified best formulation indicated satisfactory agreement, with the percentage prediction error (PPE) for the actual and predicted values being less than 10%. The optimized AcPEN (OPT-AcPEN) was organoleptically characterized and the Transmission Electron Micrograph corroborated the minimum droplet size and PDI of OPT-AcPEN being <200 nm and < 0.25, respectively. The OPT-AcPEN was stable under different storage conditions for up to 90 days, and the corresponding repeated centrifugation and freeze-thaw tests retaining the recommended pH of between 4 − 6 for topical skin application. Pertinently, the shear thinning and pseudoplastic behavior seen from the rheology results implied the suitability of OPT-AcPEN as a topical cosmeceutical nanoemulsion and could meet user’s requirements.