Development of Enzyme-Based Cosmeceuticals: Studies on the Proteolytic Activity of Arthrospira platensis and Its Efficient Incorporation in a Hydrogel Formulation

Abstract

Microalgae are a valuable source of enzymes and active ingredients due to their biochemical variability, health-beneficial properties, lower production cost and viability on an industrial scale. In addition, the growing demand for sustainable products constitutes microalgae as a viable resource for the development of a range of innovative products. In the present work, the proteolytic activity of Arthrospira platensis lysate was assessed and characterized using kinetics analysis and zymography employing different substrates, pH values and divalent ions. The results suggest the presence of two main proteolytic enzymes in the lysate. In addition, a rapid and easy purification protocol of the proteolytic activity, under mild conditions, was developed using a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)/phosphate aqueous two-phase system (ATPS). The proteolytic activity of A. platensis lysate was used to develop a hydrogel formulation as an enzyme-based cosmeceutical, with potential application as a topical exfoliating agent. The incorporation of the A. platensis extract in the developed hydrogel formulation significantly improved its operational stability over time, which is a significant advantage in enzyme-based product development.

Microalgae as a Sustainable Source of Antioxidants in Animal Nutrition, Health and Livestock Development

“…The bioactive properties of different industrially produced microalgae vary as a consequence of their physiology and biochemistry. The diversity of microalgal species gives rise to various antioxidant molecules, which makes microalgae the richest natural resource for nutritional and bioactive components [9][10][11]. The list of industrially produced microalgae includes genera spanning different classes, namely Chlorodendrophyceae (Tetraselmis chui, Tetraselmis striata CTP4); Chlorophyceae (Haematococcus lacustris, formerly Haematococcus pluvialis); Coccolithophyceae (Tisochrysis lutea); Bacillariophyceae (Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Skeletonema sp.…”

“…Microalgae live in habitats under high solar irradiation and as a consequence have a wide range of antioxidant compounds, which protect them from radiation and oxidation damage. High-value antioxidant compounds produced by microalgae include polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); carotenoids, including astaxanthin and lutein; chlorophylls; phycobiliproteins; and phenolic compounds [1,2,[9][10][11][12][13] (Figure 1a). These compounds have immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic properties, beneficial to animal health [14] (Figure 1b).…”

“…phycobiliproteins; and phenolic compounds [1,2,[9][10][11][12][13] (Figure 1a). These compounds have immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anthelmintic properties, beneficial to animal health [14] (Figure 1b).…”

Possible Approaches to Studying the Influence of Magnetic Fields and Mechanical Effects on the Physicochemical Properties of Aqueous IgG Colloids

“…Almost two centuries have passed since then, and today medicine is increasingly using protein drugs in a wide variety of areas of clinical practice [2]. Enzyme-based protein preparations are the most widely used in medicine [3] and cosmetology [4]. Enzymes are mainly used 1.…”

Combined Nanofibrous Face Mask: Co-Formulation of Lipases and Antibiotic Agent by Electrospinning Technique

“…Enzymatic reactions operate on the metabolism of sebaceous glands and adipocytes, regulate keratinization processes, ensure inter-corneocytar cohesion, promote tanning and auto-photo protection, act on the whitening activities of age spots, activate the skin's inherent defense mechanisms, and preserve collagen and elastin fibers on the skin and stratum corneum [4]. The application of enzymes in dermatology and cosmetology has been known for a long time [5][6][7]. However, novel enzyme-based procedures are continuously introduced in modern medicine.…”