Natural biodegradable skin care products

The goal of the project is the development of an innovative agent for the treatment and healing of acne and deeper infected skin wounds. The innovation of the product lies in the use of natural substances not only as a supporting highly porous matrix, but also as active ingredients for the treatment of acne vulgaris in particular. Acne is a skin inflammation caused by various factors or a combination – hormonal imbalance, infection, increased production of sebum, etc. The unifying element is the necessity of local treatment, disinfection and reduction of inflammation during treatment so that natural repair processes of the skin – i.e. the granulation phase – begin. This project is focused on the development of a biodegradable highly porous open 3D structure as an active agent carrier prepared from sustainable sources. The material of this carrier will be the natural polysaccharide alginate processed by the lyophilization method. Natural extracts prepared by a unique method of ultrasonic extraction and enzymatic fermentation will be incorporated as active antibacterial and anti-inflammatory substances. Part of the project will not only be the development of the product, but also its characterization in terms of safety, antibacterial effectiveness and effect on skin healing. Biocompatibility will be tested in vitro in accordance with ISO 10993-5. The effect of the carrier matrix, individual extracts and their combination on skin healing will be tested on human fibroblasts (NHDF) and keratinocytes (Hacat). The response of bacteria will be monitored on selected model strains, including commensal probiotics.