Comparative physicochemical analysis among 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal fillers

(1) Background: Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers are used in several chirurgical practices and in aesthetic medicine. HA filler stability can be enhanced through different cross-linking technologies; one of the most frequently cross-linker used is 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE), also present in the HA-BDDE dermal filler family of the company Matex Lab S.p.A. (Brindisi, Italy). Our overview is focused on their characterization, drawing a correlation between matrix structure, rheological and physicochemical properties related to their cross-linking technologies. (2) Methods: Four different injectable HA hydrogels were characterized through optical microscopic examination and rheological behavior investigation. (3) Results: The cross-linked HA dermal fillers showed a fibrous \u201cspiderweb-like\u201d matrix structure and an elastic and solid-like profile. (4) Conclusions: The comparative analysis represents a preliminary characterization of these injectable medical devices in order to identify their best field of application

Physico-chemical characterization and in vitro biological evaluation of a bionic hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid and l-lysine for medical applications

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an endogenous polysaccharide, whose hydrogels have been used in medical applications for decades. Here, we present a technology platform for stabilizing HA with a biocrosslinker, the amino acid L-Lysine, to manufacture bionic hydrogels for regenerative medicine. We synthetized bionic hydrogels with tailored composition with respect to HA concentration and degree of stabilization depending on the envisaged medical use. The structure of the hydrogels was assessed by microscopy and rheology, and the resorption behavior through enzymatic degradation with hyaluronidase. The biological compatibility was evaluated in vitro with human dermal fibroblast cell lines. HA bionic hydrogels stabilized with lysine show a 3D network structure, with a rheological profile that mimics biological matrixes, as a harmless biodegradable substrate for cell proliferation and regeneration and a promising candidate for wound healing and other medical applications

The anti-ageing and whitening potential of a cosmetic serum containing 3-o-ethyl-l-ascorbic acid

Skin ageing has many manifestations such as wrinkles, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone. Extrinsic and intrinsic factors, especially solar ultraviolet light (UVB), contribute to skin ageing; its main features are brown spots, alterations in melanin pigmentation, and a decrease in collagen and hyaluronic acid linked to oxidative stress. Several studies showed that topical products containing ingredients with antioxidant activity can reduce oxidative damage; to provide a maximum anti-ageing effect to the skin, topical products can combine various ingredients. C-SHOT SERUM contains a combination of two molecules with a proven anti-ageing activity: a high percentage (30%) of a more stable vitamin C derivative, 3-O-ethyl-L-ascorbic acid, and lactic acid (1%). The product showed a high biocompatibility, assessed through an MTT assay on keratinocytes and on Reconstructed Human Epidermis (RHE, SkinEthic); the anti-ageing activity was demonstrated on human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes by a statistically significant increase in collagen production and a reduction of a UVB-induced DNA damage marker (\u3b3-H2AX histone), indicating DNA protection. Moreover, a depigmenting activity, shown by a highly significant decrease in melanin content on treated Reconstructed Human Pigmented Epidermis (RHPE), was assessed. According to the data of our study, the tested product contrasts the effect of skin ageing and irregular pigmentation due to the physiological decline of the skin

Biophysical and Biological Tools to Better Characterize the Stability, Safety and Efficacy of a Cosmeceutical for Acne-Prone Skin

(1) Background: Acne is a widespread skin disease, especially among adolescents. Following the COVID-19 pandemic and the use of masks, the problem has been affecting a greater number of people, and the attention of the skin care beauty routine cosmetics has been focused on the \u201cMaskne\u201d, caused by the sebum excretion rate (SER) that stimulates microbial proliferation. (2) Methods: the present study was focused on the rheological characterization and quality assurance of the preservative system of an anti-acne serum. The biological effectiveness (cytotoxicity\u2014skin and eye irritation\u2014antimicrobial, biofilm eradication and anti-inflammatory activity) was evaluated in a monolayer cell line of keratinocytes (HaCaT) and on 3D models (reconstructed human epidermis, RHE and human reconstructed corneal epithelium, HCE). The Cutibacterium acnes, as the most relevant acne-inducing bacterium, is chosen as a pro-inflammatory stimulus and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the serum. (3) Results and Conclusions: Rheology allows to simulate serum behavior at rest, extrusion and application, so the serum could be defined as having a solid-like behavior and being pseudoplastic. The preservative system is in compliance with the criteria of the reference standard. Biological effectiveness evaluation shows non-cytotoxic and irritant behavior with a good antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity of the formulation, supporting the effectiveness of the serum for acne-prone skin treatment

Antimicrobial efficacy assessment and rheological investigation of two different hand sanitizers compared with the standard reference WHO formulation 1

(1) Background: recently, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) has become very frequent, and an evaluation of the stability and effectiveness of their formulations is a critical topic which should be carefully considered. (2) Methods: starting from the characterization of the hand sanitizers object of the study, our interest was focused on their rheological behavior in order to confirm their intrinsic features, but also the stability of each formulation in different conditions of shear and temperature; the second aspect concerns the antimicrobial assessment through a panel of in vitro and in vivo experimental trials. (3) Results: rheological investigation confirmed good stability for the two hand sanitizers in gel formula with respect to the reference in liquid formula; the antimicrobial activity evaluation showed good efficacy of each formulation both in vitro and in vivo. (4) Conclusions: altogether, our overview presents a valid quality control assessment to ensure the stability and efficacy of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Evaluation of anti-photoaging effects of a novel cosmeceutical containing a retinoids mixture using in vitro cell models

11noopenPhysiological ageing due to the passing of time and prolonged exposure to harmful sun rays generate wrinkles and reduce skin elasticity. These visible and clinical signs can be prevented or reversed by known strategies, such as the daily use of cosmetic products with antioxidant combina-tions or retinoids. A new dermocosmetic formulation enriched with a complex of retinoids, called RETINOIDS SERUM, was investigated through in vitro assays using human skin cells. The experiments were carried out to assess the anti-ageing activity in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT). After the preliminary MTT assay, the proliferation together with the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers was performed on NHDF cells after 24 h treatment with the two non-cytotoxic concentrations. Using UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells, the measurement of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) levels was also investigated. In vitro studies show that the dermocosmetic product improves collagen and elastin synthesis and the renewal of dermal fibrob-lasts. Moreover, a reduction in the MMP-1 secretion was also highlighted in UVB-irradiated HaCaT cells. These results suggest that the cosmetic formulation containing functional compounds such as retinoids can be useful to prevent the natural sign of ageing.openZerbinati N.; Sommatis S.; Maccario C.; Capillo M.C.; Di Francesco S.; Liga E.; Rauso R.; D'este E.; Dalla Gasperina D.; Guida S.; Mocchi R.Zerbinati, N.; Sommatis, S.; Maccario, C.; Capillo, M. C.; Di Francesco, S.; Liga, E.; Rauso, R.; D'Este, E.; Dalla Gasperina, D.; Guida, S.; Mocchi, R

In Vitro Hair Growth Promoting Effect of a Noncrosslinked Hyaluronic Acid in Human Dermal Papilla Cells

Dermal papilla cells (DPCs) are a source of nutrients and growth factors, which support the proliferation and growth of keratinocytes as well as promoting the induction of new hair follicles and maintenance of hair growth. The protection from reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the promotion of angiogenesis are considered two of the basal mechanisms to preserve the growth of the hair follicle. In this study, a noncrosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) filler (HYDRO DELUXE BIO, Matex Lab S.p.A.) containing several amino acids was tested with in vitro assays on human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs). The experiments were carried out to investigate the possible protection against oxidative stress and the ability to increase the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release. The results demonstrated the restoration of cell viability against UVB-induced cytotoxicity and an increase in the VEGF secretion. These data demonstrate the capability of the product to modulate human dermal papilla cells, suggesting a future use in mesotherapy, a minimally invasive local intradermal therapy (LIT), after further clinical investigations

A practical approach for the in vitro safety and efficacy assessment of an anti-ageing cosmetic cream enriched with functional compounds

(1) Background: Cosmeceuticals are topical products applied to human skin to prevent skin ageing and maintain a healthy skin appearance. Their effectiveness is closely linked to the compounds present in a final formulation. In this article, we propose a panel of in vitro tests to support the efficacy assessment of an anti-ageing cream enriched with functional compounds. (2) Methods: biocompatibility and the irritant effect were evaluated on reconstructed human epidermis (RHE) and corneal epithelium (HCE) 3D models. After a preliminary MTT assay, normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) and keratinocytes (HaCaT) were used to evaluate the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) production. (3) Results: data collected showed good biocompatibility and demonstrated the absence of the irritant effect in both 3D models. Therefore, we demonstrated a statistical increase in collagen and elastin productions in NHDF cells. In HaCaT cells, we highlighted an anti-inflammatory effect through a reduction in IL-6 levels in inflammatory stimulated conditions. Moreover, the reduction of MMP-1 production after UV-B radiation was demonstrated, showing significant photo-protection. (4) Conclusion: a multiple in vitro assays approach is proposed for the valid and practical assessment of the anti-ageing protection, anti-inflammatory and biocompatible claims that can be assigned to a cosmetic product containing functional compounds

Factores que inciden en la gestión de proyectos de investigación científica

This research study aims to explain how there are external factors that directly influence the management of scientific and technological research projects financed with resources from the socioeconomic development fund of Camisea (Focam) of the National University of Huancavelica (UNH). Within these external factors that directly affect are the professional competencies of the research faculty and the logistic management that allows for the implementation of the research projects. A quantitative approach is used for this explanatory substantive research and the research design is non-experimental, cross-sectional, explanatory and causal. The sample included 49 engineering research profesors. For the present investigation, the survey technique was used for the three study variables. Findings - It can be affirmed that there is a positive influence of the professional competences and the logistic management on the management of the scientific research projects financed with resources of Focam of the UNH. This is the first research study that offers a discussion on the level of management of the scientific research projects carried out at the National University of Huancavelica, from research planning to the publication of the scientific article in an indexed journal. Alternative solutions are proposed for researchers and the logistics office to help efficiently manage scientific research projects.La presente investigación pretende explicar que existen factores externos, que influyen directamente en la gestión de los proyectos de investigación científica y tecnológica financiados con recursos del Fondo de desarrollo socioeconómico de Camisea (Focam) de la Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica (UNH). Dentro de estos factores externos que inciden directamente se encuentran las competencias profesionales de los docentes investigadores y la gestión logística que permite la implementación de la investigación. Se utiliza el enfoque cuantitativo, el tipo de investigación sustantiva explicativa y el diseño de investigación es no experimental de corte transversal tipo explicativo causal. La muestra censal con un tamaño de muestra de 49 docentes investigadores de Ingeniería. Para la presente investigación, se usó la técnica de la encuesta para las tres variables de estudio. Se puede afirmar que existe influencia positiva de las competencias profesionales y la gestión logística sobre la gestión de los proyectos de investigación científica financiados con recursos de Focam. Es la primera investigación que ofrece una discusión sobre en qué nivel de gestión se encuentran los proyectos de investigación científica ejecutados en la Universidad Nacional de Huancavelica, desde la planificación de la investigación hasta la publicación del artículo científico en una revista indizada. Se plantean alternativas de solución para los investigadores y para la oficina de logística que ayudarán a gestionar eficientemente los proyectos de investigación científica