Patent Picks are compiled by the editors from publicly available sources. This edition features the latest inventions related to 'green' technologies for cosmetics and personal care, including nature-derived, mild and eco-friendly solutions.
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Patent Picks are compiled by the editors from publicly available sources. This edition features the latest inventions related to 'green' technologies for cosmetics and personal care, including nature-derived, mild and eco-friendly solutions.
Template-fixed peptidomimetics with antimicrobial activity
U.S. Patent Application 20140187472
Publication date: July 3, 2014
Assignees: Universitaet Zuerich and Polyphor Ltd.
Described in this patent are template-fixed β-hairpin peptidomimetics incorporating a chain of 12 α-amino acid residues, preferably from natural α-amino acids, that have the property to selectively inhibit the growth of or kill microorganisms such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. They can be used as disinfectants for foodstuffs, cosmetics, medicaments or other nutrient-containing materials, or as medicaments to treat or prevent infections. The β-hairpin peptidomimetics can be manufactured by processes based on a mixed solid- and solution phase synthetic strategy.
Bamboo and Scutellaria to treat atopic dermatitis
U.S. Patent 8771761
Publication date: July 8, 2014
Assignee: Unigen, Inc.
The present invention relates to a composition incorporating, as active components, bamboo and Scutellaria extracts for the treatment and prevention of atopic dermatitis. This combination has been found to control immune responses by inhibiting the release of histamine and leukotriene and can therefore treat or prevent allergic, inflammatory and skin diseases. The invention has proven safe and effective in clinical trials.
Inducible-release vehicles for antimicrobial, anticaries delivery
U.S. Patent 8771650
Publication date: July 8, 2014
Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNO
Described in this patent are vehicles comprised of cross-linked carbohydrates or proteins and an active ingredient whose release may be induced by an external stimulus; e.g., an enzyme such as amylase. Such vehicles can be used to prevent microbial decay or combat microbial infections. Other applications include oral care, to provide anti-caries or flavoring compounds, and pharmaceutical and/or nutraceutical applications. The vehicles may comprise naturally occurring polymers such as starch (amylose, amylopectin); and cellulose and gums or derivates thereof, which can be formed by phosphorylation or oxidation. Caprolactone may also be added for better compatibility, e.g., with the packaging material. In the case of proteins, those obtained from hydrolysates of vegetable or animal material may be used, as well as mixtures of carbohydrates, e.g., copolymers, or proteins.
Self-assembled, ultrashort peptide hydrogels for wound healing, skin care and cosmetics
WIPO Patent Application WO/2014/104981
Publication date: July 3, 2014
Assignee: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
This patent discloses an amphiphilic linear peptide and/or peptoid as well as a hydrogel incorporating it. These peptides/peptoids include short amphiphilic sequences with a hydrophobic portion of aliphatic amino acids, and at least one acidic, neutral, or basic polar amino acid. The peptide/peptoid is capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form a hydrogel. This hydrogel is formed at physiological pH and is thus useful for inter alia cell culture, tissue engineering and regeneration, wound healing and release of bioactive moieties including cells, nucleic acids, antimicrobials, micro or nanoparticles, cosmetic agents and small molecule therapeutics, among others. Said peptidomimetic molecule may include natural or synthetic amino acid derivatives, wherein the N-terminus can be modified with a functional group.
Water-soluble essential oils
WIPO Patent Application WO/2014/101049
Publication date: July 3, 2014
Assignees: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc., DW Koenig, MK Foegen, CT Cunningham, A He and Y Huang
This invention reveals methods for adjusting the solubility of a botanical oil in water, along with the resulting modified botanical oil and related products including treatment compositions, wipes, absorbent articles, etc. In one embodiment, the method includes reacting the botanical oil to form a reactive product such as a hydroxyl group, and attaching a hydrophilic end group—e.g., a carboxylic acid, carboxylic acid salt, sugar, etc., on the reactive product to form a modified botanical oil. The modified oil generally has a greater solubility in water than the botanical oil; specifically, a solubility in water of about 10 g per 100 grams of water or greater. In one embodiment, the essential oil includes at least one terpene compound.
Nature-derived anti-aging system
U.S. Patent Application 20140186433
Publication date: July 3, 2014
Assignee: Access Business Group International, Llc
Provided in this patent is a cosmetic treatment system incorporating natural ingredients to prevent signs of aging, improve the aesthetic appearance of skin, and promote recovery from environmental stresses. The composition includes: at least one ingredient or extract from rosemary; at least one ingredient or extract from Centella, Echinacea, Alpinia or mixtures thereof; a DNA repair enzyme; and at least one pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable vehicle. The system further includes a patch delivery component for applying the cosmetic ingredients and a packaging system.
Modified polynucleotides for skin treatments
U.S. Patent Application 20140186432
Publication date: July 3, 2014
Assignee: Moderna Therapeutics, Inc.
This invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of polynucleotides, primary transcripts and mRNA molecules. The described input nucleotide triphosphate (NTP) mix is made using either natural as well as synthetic NTPs. In one embodiment, the polynucleotides, constructs and/or mRNA may be used in the treatment, amelioration or prophylaxis of cosmetic conditions including: acne, rosacea, scarring, wrinkles, eczema, shingles, psoriasis, age spots, birth marks, dry skin, calluses, diaper rash, vitiligo, dandruff, freckles and other general signs of aging.
Elastic biodegradable polymers for hair, skin, flavor, packaging and more
U.S. Patent Application 20140186312
Publication date: July 3, 2014
Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Disclosed in this patent, in various aspects, is the production and application of elastic biodegradable polymers. In various embodiments, the polymers are formed by the reaction of a multifunctional alcohol or ether, and a difunctional or higher order acid to form a pre-polymer. This pre-polymer is then cross-linked to form the elastic biodegradable polymer. Various embodiments of the compositions and materials can be used in a variety of non-medical applications, including, but not limited to: absorbent garments, degradable films, general packaging, flavor and aroma barriers, food containers, degradable foams for packaging applications, degradable filters, hair products, cosmetics, preservation of materials, e.g. wood, and more. Compositions and materials of the present inventions can be exploited to protect not only natural resources but also the animals that depend on those natural resources.
