Novel Spray Dried Algae-Rosemary Particles Attenuate Pollution-Induced Skin Damage
Roberta Hoskin1, Erika Pambianchi2, Alessandra Pecorelli2
1North Carolina Research Campus, Plants for Human Health Institute, Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA.
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 2, 2021
Summary
This study shows that spirulina-rosemary gel protects skin from pollution damage. The gel reduces markers of inflammation and aging caused by diesel exhaust exposure in human skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Cosmetology
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Environmental pollution, particularly diesel engine exhaust (DEE), poses significant risks to skin health.
- Oxidative stress and inflammation are key mechanisms underlying pollution-induced skin damage and aging.
- Natural compounds from plants and algae show potential for mitigating these harmful effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of spray-dried algae-rosemary particles in protecting ex-vivo human skin against DEE-induced damage.
- To compare the phytochemical profiles and production efficiency of Chlorella and Spirulina-based rosemary complexes.
- To assess the anti-oxinflammatory properties of a gel formulation containing prioritized Spirulina-rosemary particles.
Main Methods:
- Complexation of hydroalcoholic rosemary extract with Chlorella and Spirulina protein powders.
- Analysis of phenolic compounds (rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, carnosol) and production efficiency.
- Preparation of a gel formulation using spray-dried Spirulina-rosemary (RSP) particles.
- Ex-vivo exposure of human skin biopsies to DEE and assessment of biomarkers (4HNE-PA, active MMP-9, filaggrin).
Main Results:
- Spray-dried Spirulina-rosemary (RSP) production was more efficient with higher concentrations of carnosol and carnosic acid.
- RSP gel significantly mitigated DEE-induced oxinflammatory responses in human skin.
- The gel decreased 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts and active matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels.
- It also limited the loss of filaggrin, a key marker of skin barrier integrity.
Conclusions:
- Topical application of spirulina-rosemary gel effectively prevents pollution-induced skin damage and aging.
- The gel formulation demonstrates significant protective effects against DEE exposure.
- This natural-based approach offers a promising strategy for combating environmental skin damage.
