Evaluation of free and nanostructured photolyase in artificial skin model aiming at a novel photoprotection and anti-aging alternative for skin

• Grant number: 23/02899-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy
• Principal Investigator: Carlota de Oliveira Rangel Yagui
• Grantee: Carla Castelo Branco Martins
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Skin is the first barrier against chemical, physical and biological aggression; it is constantly exposed to the sunlight and therefore to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause premature aging and skin cancer. As a consequence, there is a search for novel alternatives to protect the skin against UV radiation. Once photoaging is partially related to UV- induced damage to DNA, enzymes such as photolyase, which promotes DNA repair, could be and interesting strategy to prevent the photoaging and photocarcinogenesis processes. Nonetheless, owing to the protein nature photolyase can present stability problem. In addition, larger molecules as proteins might not penetrate skin easily and difficult topical application. Nanostructures as polymersomes can overcome the drawbacks of therapeutic/cosmetic proteins. In this project we will evaluate the DNA repair potential of free and nanoencapsulated (in polymersomes) photolyase in in vitro in reconstituted human epidermis models (RHE). The enzyme will be produced by bioprocess, activity confirmed and therefore nanoencapsulated in polymersomes of Pluronic L121. The nanostructures will be characterized in terms of size and morphology and encapsulation efficiency quantified. Both free and nanoencapsulated enzyme will be evaluated in RHE model that will be constructed, characterized and qualified for a better prediction of safety to human skin. The assays involving RHE will evaluate penetration capacity, cytotoxicity and the DNA-repair capacity of free and nanoencapsulated photolyase. (AU)