Dermocosmetic attributes of polysaccharides obtained from the microalgae "Ankistrodesmus braunii": ex vivo efficacy establishment

• Grant number: 22/09905-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2022
• End date: November 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: André Rolim Baby
• Grantee: Danilo Martini Rosolia
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Social distancing has led to an increase in new concerns about health, appearance, age and beauty, inspiring consumers to increase the demand and daily use of sustainable cosmetics. In addition to the food sector, the movement towards sustainable products with organic, natural and vegan appeal is also reaching a growing niche in the cosmetic industry. Microalgae are unicellular and photosynthetic organisms that have unique potential to produce diverse compounds, of interest to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, among others. Ankistrodesmus sp. is an important source of lipids, pigments and polysaccharides, and also as a model organism for the study of cell growth and division. This research project aims to contribute to scientific, biotechnological and dermocosmetic/pharmaceutical knowledge, through the application of polysaccharides from the microalgae Ankistrodesmus braunii UTEX 245, involving, additionally, the use of recently developed methods to establish the efficacy in participants (subjects). A. braunii will be cultivated in a tubular photobioreactor to obtain polysaccharides from its biomass and use in dermocosmetic/topical product. Prototype of dermocosmetic formulations containing polysaccharides will be prepared to establish cutaneous attributes. Efficacy will be established ex vivo (tape stripping), for skin hydration and antioxidant activity (antilipoperoxidative) through the quantification of biomarkers in the stratum corneum by liquid chromatography (HPLC). Considering the growing demand in the market for environmentally correct dermocosmetics, with a reduction in chemical ingredients, such as petroleum derivatives or animal origin, containing in their composition natural active ingredients derived from microalgae, renewable and sustainable, this research project will contribute with unprecedented results on efficacy of dermocosmetics containing polysaccharides obtained from the biomass of A. braunii UTEX 245 robustly proven by innovative tests.