Protein disulphide isomerase-assisted functionalization of proteinaceous substrates

Protein disulphide isomerase (PDI) is an enzyme that catalyzes thiol-disulphide exchange reactions among a broad spectrum of substrates, including proteins and low-molecular thiols and disulphides. As the first protein-folding catalyst reported, the study of PDI has mainly involved the correct folding of several cysteine-containing proteins. Its application on the functionalization of protein-based materials has not been extensively reported. Herein, we review the applications of PDI on the modification of proteinaceous substrates and discuss its future potential. The mechanism involved in PDI functionalization of fibrous protein substrates is discussed in detail. These approaches allow innovative applications in textile dyeing and finishing, medical textiles, controlled drug delivery systems and hair or skin care products.     

Analysis of methylparaben in cosmetics based on a chemiluminescence H2O2−NaIO4−CNQDs system

In this article, a simple, effective chemiluminescence (CL) method for the detection of methylparaben (MP) in cosmetic samples was developed based on an IO₄^?–H₂O₂–carbon nitrogen quantum dots (CNQDs) system without a separation process. The results indicated that the redox reaction between periodate and hydrogen peroxide released hydroxide radicals and superoxide radical anions in the presence of bicarbonate. These two radicals were responsible for the formation of excited luminophor CNQD* with a maximum wavelength at 480 nm. Due to the competitive reaction with hydroxide radicals, CL intensity was markedly diminished in the presence of MP. The relative standard deviation in the intraday assay was below 5.5% (n = 9), and the detection limit was as low as 0.50 μmol/L. The proposed method allowed for the successful, selective determination of MP in cosmetics.     

仙人掌在美容化妆品行业中的应用及开发

简要介绍了仙人掌在美容化妆品行业的应用方向,仙人掌原料的制备工艺以及仙人掌化妆品的设计理念,以期为仙人掌在美容化妆品领域的应用开发提供一些建议.     

新疆小白杏在护手霜中的应用

目的:将新疆南疆地区栽种的主要经济作物之一小白杏应用于化妆品领域,发挥其保持皮肤弹性、柔软和透明的功效。方法:以小白杏杏仁油为原料,运用正交实验设计,加入一定量的乳化剂,通过改变乳化温度、时间、转速,使油相与水相搅拌均匀。结果:最佳配方为:杏仁油13%,羊毛脂4%,蜂蜡3%,尿素3%,乳化剂1.5%,温度85℃,时间7 min,转速140 r/min。结论:以新疆小白杏杏仁油为主要原料,可研制适合于干性皮肤的防皲裂护手霜。     

Ethnobotanical studies on some pteridophytes of Southern Nigeria

Southern Nigeria represents one of the richest zones of vegetational wealth of Nigeria. The land surface is dominated by plants under 200 m.a.s 1. Folk utilization of pteridophytes by the southern Nigerians was studied. The results of this survey display an interesting diversity and distribution of ferns and fern-allied plants used as medicines, food, cosmetics, and manure in southern Nigeria. The data were compiled from frequent field trips conducted in 40 local government areas (LGAs). A total of 36 plant species belonging to 22 families were identified. Plant specimens and information were collected directly from the local inhabitants in villages and periurban towns. Our literature survey showed little or no documentation of ethnobotanical studies on pteridophytes of this region. Therefore, the present communication serves to bridge the gap. Thus, these pteridophytes could provide a vital source for healthcare and economic revenue after appropriate pharmacological analysis by patents.     

Peptides as Active Ingredients: A Challenge for Cosmeceutical Industry

Cosmeceutical field, which merges cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, is nowadays a highly investigated research area, because a scientific demonstration of the claimed bioactivity of new cosmeceutical ingredients is increasingly requested. In fact, an aspect differentiating traditional cosmetics from cosmeceuticals is the identification and characterization of the active ingredients and demonstrating its efficacy in the claimed activity. An interesting group of bioactive cosmeceutical ingredients are peptides, which due to their particular properties, meets most of the requirements presented by the cosmeceutical industry when composing new formulas. In this context, beside bioactivity, two additional aspects have been recently considered, when dealing with peptides as cosmeceutical ingredients: bioavailability and stability. We describe herein novel methods applied in order to enhance peptides skin-penetration and stability, reviewing both scientific articles and patents, issued in the cosmeceutical arena.     

Mercury Contamination of Skin Whiteners in Cambodia

Eleven of 41 brands of skin whiteners that were collected in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and processed with a screening kit contained more than 2000 μg/g mercury. Risk analysis indicates that these 11 brands were toxic. Nine of 19 of these skin whiteners analyzed with cold vapor atomic absorption (CVAA) spectrophotometry exceeded Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) guidelines for cosmetic good manufacturing practice limit on mercury of 1 μg/g. The most contaminated whitener analyzed by CVAA had 12,590 μg/g mercury. The mercury-containing products were labeled as produced in Thailand, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, the United States, and an unidentified country. Eight other products (antifungal, steroids, and antibiotics) were sold as additives to be mixed into whitener concoctions. In the 19 samples analyzed with CVAA, there was a significant association between the mercury content and a label “for export only.” Labeling of sampled products varied from detailed to slight, with none containing Khmer instructions. Variability in mercury content of some products appeared to reflect copying of brand names with very similar packaging.     

月桂酸修饰超氧化物歧化酶的制备及其性质研究

用月桂酸对超氧化物歧化酶进行化学修饰以改善其稳定性.活化的月桂酸与SOD在40℃碱性条件下反应1h,再用Sephacryl S-200柱进一步纯化.修饰SOD活性回收率93%,比活为6000U / mg.具有较强的稳定性,基本上消除了免疫原性并明显地延长了在血液中的半衰期;该产品适用于化妆品和食品.     

Stabilization of papain and lysozyme for application to cosmetic products

For cosmetic applications, papain or lysozyme was conjugated to a soluble biopolymer produced by Schizophyllum commune. Stability of the conjugated enzymes were significantly enhanced, such that more than 90% of the initial activity remained after a month storage at 45°C, even in a cosmetic formulation including various oils and surfactants. Cosmetic lotion containing 1% papain conjugate was more effective in exfoliating stratum corneum of skin than the lotion containing 5% lactic acid, one of the popular exfoliating agents.