Beneficial effects of synthetic phospholipid polymer, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate), on stratum corneum function

Abstract

The effects of a newly synthesized phospholipid polymer, poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine-co-n-butyl methacrylate) [poly(MPC-co-BMA)], on the water barrier function and water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum were examined by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and electrical conductance of the skin surface. On the backs of four NC mice, the epidermal permeability barrier was abrogated by cellophane tape stripping 30 times. The skin was then treated with 0.1% poly(MPC-co-BMA) or distilled water twice daily for the following 3 days. Poly(MPC-co-BMA) reduced TEWL significantly compared with the control after the first treatment (P = 0.044) and this effect was observed for 3 days. In human skin, water-holding capacity was measured at 5, 10, 15, 30 min and 1, 2, and 4 h after the application of poly(MPC-co-BMA) or distilled water to both volar forearms of 21 healthy volunteers. Skin treated with poly(MPC-co-BMA) showed significantly greater ability to retain water at all time points. Poly(MPC-co-BMA) is the first synthetic material that can enhance both the water barrier function and water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum. Our results indicate that this substance may be useful clinically in the treatment of dry skin.

In vitro and in vivo confocal Raman study of human skin hydration: Assessment of a new moisturizing agent, pMPC

“…Thereby, these analyses demonstrate a reorganization of lamellar lipids via the integration of the pMPC. This already confirms the mode of action by biomimetism,23, 43 indicating that the pMPC interacts with Stratum corneum lipids. Highly ordered lamellar unit structures become localized in the upper interstices while recovering their water holding properties.…”

“…The pMPC is a polymer soluble in water and a by‐product of the 2‐méthacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC). This pMPC presents a structure similar to the polar group of the phospholipids of cellular membranes 21–27. The amphiphilic nature of pMPC, a polar head and a hydrophobic part, is very interesting and it was therefore relevant to assess its hydration effect induced on the Stratum corneum after its application.…”

“…In view of elucidating the hydration mechanism, we studied the penetration of the polymer pMPC within the Stratum corneum . This synthetic polymer is well described in the literature as biomimetic of the phospholipids of cellular membranes because it has both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups 21–26. This specificity allowed us to predict the behavior of the polymer and its penetration into the skin.…”

“…A polymeric phospholipid,21–25 poly [2‐methacryoyloxyethylphosphorylcholine] (pMPC), was synthesized as a new type of biomaterial 24. It is an analog of phospholipids, which bears the bio‐mimic phosphorylcholine moiety (as the side group) and methacrylate unit.…”

Skin Irritation Caused by Alcohol-Based Hand Rubs

“…The effects of MPC/n-butyl methacrylate (BMA) co-polymer on the water barrier function and water-holding capacity of the stratum corneum were examined by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and electrical conductance of the skin surface (Kanekura et al, 2002). The MPC/BMA co-polymer reduced TEWL in laboratory mice significantly compared with the control.…”