The skin microbiome has gained considerable interest in the cosmetics R&D space in recent years. However, there is more to this protective layer than microorganisms alone.
These entities are embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) comprising polysaccharides, lipids, proteins and extracellular DNA. Taken together, this matrix and its microbiological community are known as a biofilm.
See related: Biofilms and the Skin Microbiome, A "Hot Spot" for Personal Care
Biofilms and the skin microbiome represent two microbial disciplines that are particularly relevant to skin conditions. Therefore, a more holistic understanding of interactions between them can improve efforts to develop topical approaches that control and reduce diseased skin states. Furthermore, while personal care product development has primarily focused on products to protect healthy skin, understanding the role of biofilms in the pathogenesis and progression of diseased states such as eczema or dermatitis is also of interest.
See related: The Microbiome, Our Greatest Challenge or Best Opportunity?
In her Beauty Accelerate Virtual technical lecture, Cláudia Marques, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Binghamton University and Excelsior Biofilms LLC, will present the biofilm and consider the microbial dynamics within (e.g., quorum sensing), especially in the context of dermatological skin conditions. It will consider the biofilm’s role in relation to skin health and explore potential approaches for topical treatments to influence its biology. Thanks go to our sponsor, Millipore Sigma, for supporting this lecture.
Formulators attending will gain insights on ingredients, formula parameters, etc., that modulate aspects of this living organism. Marketers will be painted a clearer picture of how the biofilm represents the next frontier in skin microbiome product development. For more information, visit the Beauty Accelerate Virtual event website and register now.
