Patent Picks—Exopolysaccharide, Placental Alkaline Phosphatase, Berry and More for Aging Skin

By: Katie Anderson (Schaefer), Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine

Posted: June 28, 2011

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Disclosed herein is a skin care composition comprising at least one exopolysaccharide (EPS) originating from a microbial mat at a concentration of about 0.001-1.5% w/w. Preferably, the EPS is derived from microorganism isolated from microbial mats found in French Polynesia. The composition is useful in reducing and preventing signs of skin aging and environmental damage by altering skin cell metabolism and improving hydration.

Berry preparations and extracts
US Patent 7964223
Publication date: June 21, 2011
Assignee: University of Kentucky Research Foundation

Disclosed in this patent is a method for deriving compositions with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from berries, such as blackberry. The method results in a berry extract compositions with stable anthocyanin content. In one aspect, the method comprises exposing a berry to a solvent composition with a pH of approx. 1-4.5, and recovering a berry extract with a stabilized anthocyanin content. A cryoprotectant may be added to further stabilize the anthocyanin content. Compositions comprising the berry extract of the present invention, formulated for oral and/or topical administration, are also provided, including nutritional supplements, capsules, enteric-coated capsules, film-coated capsules, tablets, enteric-coated tablets, film-coated tablets, chewing gums, lotions, creams, mucoadhesive gels, vanishing lotions, vanishing creams, etc. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods and compositions for treating inflammation, oxidative damage or cancer in a mammal.

Use of placental alkaline phosphatase to promote skin cell proliferation
US Patent 7964188
Publication date: June 21, 2011
Inventor: Zoltan Kiss

Methods are disclosed in this invention for promoting survival and stimulating proliferation of cells in the epidermis and dermis of undamaged mammalian skin. The methods comprise the step of administering a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of human placental alkaline phosphatase or an active derivative to the skin. The composition can be administered topically or by injection. Embodiments of the invention also provide regimens for restoring or maintaining the strength and thickness of aging skin, comprising periodically administering a composition by topical application. Other embodiments of the invention further provide methods for promoting survival and stimulating proliferation of cells in the epidermis and dermis of transplanted skin. A composition for topical application is also provided by some embodiments of the invention.