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Winds of Change

In many companies, thinking outside of the proverbial box is encouraged year-round; but in the last few months, innovation has notably been emphasized in event themes and even government agency efforts.

Better Bonds from Mollusk Chemistry

Most consumer attention to oysters and mussels has centered on their taste, beautiful by-products or aphrodisiac effects; however, their adhesive properties are what caught the attention of Jonathan Wilker. These properties could be adapted for personal care.

NY Chemists Develop Nature-inspired Responsive Molecule

An amphiphilic molecule designed by chemists at The City College of New York is said to respond to stimuli in a similar manner to the Venus fly trap by changing its structure when heated slightly, then reverting to its original form when cooled.

Comparatively Speaking: Simple Salt vs. Ionic Liquid

Unlike common salts, ionic liquids are salts in which the ions are poorly coordinated, resulting in molecules that are liquid below 100°C. The use of ionic liquids will aid the formulator in improving delivery efficiency.

Company Requests Broad Spectrum Antimicrobial Technologies

NineSigma has published a request for a broad spectrum antimicrobial or antimicrobial systems that are efficacious for either liquid solutions or plastic surface applications.

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MWSCC Thinks Outside the Box

Unconventional thinking was encouraged by the Midwest chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (MWSCC) at its 2010 Technical Symposium, which took place on Oct. 26, 2010, in Itasca, Illinois USA.

The wound dressing is formulated with an indicator dye that turns purple when the skin underneath is infected. *Photo courtesy of Fraunhofer EMFT

Scientists Develop Dye for Wound Dressings to Indicate Infection

Scientists at the Fraunhofer-Einrichtung für Modulare Festkörper (EMFT) in Munich have developed an indicator dye for bandages and dressings that changes color if an infection develops underneath.

NSF Launches Innovation Nation Video Series

Just as the European Commission (EC) established the Innovation Union to spur innovation and step up R&D efforts in Europe, as reported by Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) released Innovation Nation, a 26-part series of videos that reviews some of the NSF-funded inventions and research that are shaping the world.

Research Implicates Heat as the Mechanism Behind Laser Skin Rejuvenation

Laser treatments often are used to rejuvenate the skin, although the underlying processes have remained mostly unexplained. However, research from the Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in the Netherlands suggests the laser's heat rather than its light is the mechanism behind skin rejuvenation.

EC Establishes Innovation Union to Step Up R&D Efforts

The European Commission (EC) has established an Innovation Union to step up R&D efforts, reportedly by using public sector intervention to stimulate the private sector and remove bottlenecks [that] stop ideas [from] reaching the market.

Electrifying Skin Delivery

Iontophoresis is a well-known, noninvasive method that uses a small electric charge to deliver chemicals through the skin. However, according to Gregory Schultz, PhD, and Daniel Gibson, a professor and doctoral candidate, respectively, at the University of Florida, this method of delivery can have its drawbacks. Together with co-inventor, Sonal Sanjeev Tuli, MD, the team developed a method to iontophorese macromolecules into tissue such as the skin without causing damage; however, initial research focused on the eye.

Patent Picks—Copper-bound Botanicals, Skin Pigment Regulation, Antioxidants and More

Chosen biweekly by Rachel Grabenhofer, editor, for their relevance to personal care, Patent Picks are taken from publicly available sources. This edition features recently issued patents relevant to skin care and health.

Research on Nano-sized Polymers Reveals Thermal-related Transitions

Research conducted at Kyoto University on nano-sized polymer assemblies could improve the production of nanofibers, new materials and more. For instance, the work led to the finding that the melting point of confined PEGs decreased as their molecular weight, length in this case, increased.

New Findings Regarding Mechanism of Contact Nickel Allergy

Recent work published in Nature Immunology shows new findings regarding contact nickel allergy. Research from the University Hospital Mannheim and University of Heidelberg, in Germany, suggests the human Toll-like receptor 4 is crucial in the development of this skin reaction.

Cellulosic Propylene Glycol Production

Walter Trahanovsky, PhD, a professor at Iowa State University's department of chemistry, and his team have developed a method to convert cellulose to glucose using pressure and high temperatures, but he was surprised to find the method also produced ethylene glycol and propylene glycol—two high value chemicals, one a major component in skin care products.

Water Softener Launched with Skin and Hair Benefits

NuFresh Water Systems, a household water treatment company, has introduced a water softener that is said to combat skin roughness and dull hair by supplying amino acids to household water.

Spray-on Fabric for Fashion, Hygiene and More

A Spanish fashion designer and a professor of particle technology have combined forces to create a spray-on fabric with applications in the fashion, automotive, medicinal and personal care industries.

MWSCC to Address Innovation at its Technical Symposium

The Midwest Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (MWSCC) has recognized the need for innovation in the personal care industry and recently announced that this would be the focus for its 2010 Technical Symposium.