ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-AGING SERUM CONTAINING NANOENCAPSULATED ASTAXANTHIN AND FERULIC ACID WITH LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HYALURONIC ACID

• Grant number: 23/17948-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Nathalia Cristina Rissi
• Grantee: Nathalia Cristina Rissi
• Company: Nderma Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Ltda
• CNAE: Atividades de atenção à saúde humana não especificadas anteriormente
• City: São Carlos
• Associated research grant: 22/06301-1 - Antioxidant and anti-aging serum formulation containing nanoencapsulated astaxantin and ferulic acid with the addition of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, AP.PIPE
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/10214-5 - ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI-AGING SERUM CONTAINING NANOENCAPSULATED ASTAXANTHIN AND FERULIC ACID WITH LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT HYALURONIC ACID, BP.PIPE

Abstract

The beauty market is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally, with projected revenues of approximately $863 billion by 2024, demonstrating resilience even during periods of economic downturn. This growth drives technological innovations, and NDerma aims to lead these transformations. Through market research, the company has identified opportunities to innovate and differentiate itself by developing formulations that employ nanotechnology and high-performance biotechnological ingredients.The project's key innovation is the co-nanoencapsulation of astaxanthin (a lipophilic antioxidant) and ferulic acid (a hydrophilic antioxidant) into a single liposomal vesicle. This technology enables a stable, synergistic combination that acts on different skin layers, targeting both cellular membranes and the intracellular aqueous environment. Additionally, NDerma adopts an environmentally responsible approach by exclusively using water as a solvent in the nanoencapsulation process, eliminating the toxic solvents commonly used in the industry. This technological edge, mastered by only a few companies, ensures greater process safety and aligns NDerma with global sustainability practices, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and environmental preservation. This technology provides the antioxidant serum with enhanced protection against free radicals and signs of aging, a benefit rarely achieved with conventional formulations. However, the use of biotechnological actives, such as nanoencapsulated astaxanthin, faces challenges related to stability and efficacy due to its lipophilicity and chemical instability. Through nanoencapsulation and scalable processes, NDerma enables the use of this potent antioxidant in lightweight, fast-absorbing serums, offering an innovative product to the cosmetic market. In Phase 1, the technical and scientific feasibility of nanoencapsulating astaxanthin and ferulic acid in liposomal vesicles was demonstrated, resulting in antioxidant activity twice as high as that of free astaxanthin, a 10% increase in collagen synthesis, and no cytotoxicity. Phase 2 seeks to rigorously validate the stability, safety, and in vivo efficacy in humans while ensuring process control and scalability. Clinical studies will adhere to strict standards, including safety assessments (phototoxicity, irritation, and sensitization) and detailed gene expression analyses in equivalent skin models like NVskin. These studies will molecularly validate the product's effects, such as antioxidant protection, collagen synthesis, and anti-aging benefits, by analyzing genes related to collagen production and cellular longevity. Comparative studies will position NDerma's formulation against market-leading products, evaluating parameters such as elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle reduction in comparison to antioxidants like vitamin C and resveratrol. This competitive analysis will strengthen the serum's positioning as a superior solution that combines scientific innovation with proven efficacy. Upon completing Phase 2, NDerma will be ready to launch an innovative, safe, and sustainable cosmetic capable of competing in the global beauty market. The requested financial support is justified by the development of a robust, pioneering product that contributes to scientific literature and meets consumer and regulatory expectations, expanding the possibilities of cosmetic science with environmental responsibility. (AU)