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Melanin Bleaching and Melanogenesis Inhibition Effects of Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 Isolated from Korean Perilla
Sukyung Kim1,2, Hoonhee Seo1,2, Hafij Al Mahmud1,2
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Republic of Korea.
Abstract:
Overproduction and accumulation of melanin in the skin will darken the skin and cause skin disorders. So far, components that can inhibit tyrosinase, a melanin synthase of melanocytes, have been developed and used as ingredients of cosmetics or pharmaceutical products. However, most of existing substances can only inhibit the biosynthesis of melanin while melanin that is already synthesized and deposited is not directly decomposed. Thus, their effects in decreasing melanin concentration in the skin are weak. To overcome the limitation of existing therapeutic agents, we started to develop a substance that could directly biodegrade melanin. We screened traditional fermented food microorganisms for their abilities to direct biodegrade melanin. As a result, we found that a kimchi-derived Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 had a direct melanin-degrading effect. This PMC48 strain is a new strain, different from P. acidilactici strains reported so far. It not only directly degrades melanin, but also has tyrosinase-inhibiting effect. It has a direct melanindecomposition effect. It exceeds existing melanin synthesis-inhibiting technology. It is expected to be of high value as a raw material for melanin degradation drugs and cosmetics.
Insights
Researchers discovered a new Pediococcus acidilactici strain from kimchi that directly degrades melanin and inhibits melanin production. This novel approach offers a potent solution for skin darkening and related disorders.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Melanin overproduction and accumulation cause skin darkening and disorders.
- Existing treatments primarily inhibit melanin synthesis, with limited efficacy on existing melanin.
- There is a need for agents that can directly decompose melanin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify microorganisms capable of directly biodegrading melanin.
- To develop novel therapeutic agents for melanin-related skin conditions.
Main Methods:
- Screening of traditional fermented food microorganisms for melanin-degrading abilities.
- Isolation and characterization of a novel Pediococcus acidilactici strain (PMC48) from kimchi.
- Evaluation of the melanin-degrading and tyrosinase-inhibiting effects of the isolated strain.
Main Results:
- A novel kimchi-derived Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 strain demonstrated direct melanin-degrading activity.
- This strain possesses both melanin decomposition and tyrosinase inhibition capabilities.
- The PMC48 strain's dual action surpasses existing melanin synthesis-inhibiting technologies.
Conclusions:
- Pediococcus acidilactici PMC48 is a promising candidate for developing new drugs and cosmetics targeting melanin degradation.
- This discovery offers a novel strategy to address skin hyperpigmentation by directly decomposing melanin.
- The strain's unique properties present significant potential for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
