Ten trillion microorganisms live in each of us and shape the human microbiota. They play a fundamental role in the protection and control of the areas they colonize. To do this, they are continually in communication with our cells, generating metabolites that stimulate interactions between the various microbiome ‘stakeholders’. The development of scientific knowledge about the role of the human microbiota has led to a change in the approach of the cosmetic industry. Solabia Group’s specialization in enzymatic biocatalysis is part of this new approach thanks to its signature active ingredients: Bioecolia, Ecoskin and Teflose.
The human body is a complex ecosystem that lives in symbiosis with many microorganisms. It is undeniable that bacteria, viruses, fungi and archaea coexist in a wide variety of habitats. Considered as sources of disease and infection, the vast majority of microorganisms are beneficial and indispensable for biological processes, human health and the planet. Ten trillion microorganisms live in each person and form their microbiota. They play a fundamental role in protecting and controlling the places they colonize. To do this, they constantly keep in touch with the cells of the body, generating metabolites that stimulate interaction between the various “stakeholders” of the microbiome. These microorganisms are present in different parts of the body in which the epithelium is in contact with the external environment: the digestive tract, skin, respiratory tract, urogenital tract and eyes. The most “densely populated” organ is the digestive tract, in which 90% of microorganisms are collected. The skin microbiota is the most complex and diverse in the human body, with very high variability unique to each individual. Typically, the skin has an acidic pH and a dry environment. However, depending on the parts of the body, it has different physico-chemical characteristics that provide a specific microbiota. The more species represented, the higher the balance of the microbiome. Depending on their role on the skin, these microbial populations are defined as symbiotic, commensal, or pathogenic. Numerous endogenous and exogenous disturbances can cause changes in the composition of the flora and affect the relationship between the host and microorganisms. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the balance of the microbiota, which guarantees the well-being and health of our body. To maintain a balance between beneficial microorganisms and fight potentially dangerous invaders, the human body has developed various strategies. First, there are competitive mechanisms between bacteria, both nutritional (competition for substrates) and geographic (for niche occupation). In addition, colonization by pathogenic bacteria is also regulated by the production of antimicrobial proteins and peptides secreted by keratinocytes that can control bacterial growth. The composition of the bacterial flora is then assessed by specific receptors (TLRs) II and IV present on the keratinocyte membrane. They recognize conserved molecular structures, lipopolysaccharides, which make up the wall of Gram-negative bacteria, and peptidoglycans, the main components of the wall of Gram-positive bacteria. Thus, host defense against microbial infections is initiated by the innate immune system, which triggers a sequence of events leading to phagocytosis of pathogens and simultaneous production of cytokines and chemokines, activation of leukocytes, and initiation of adaptive immunity.
ECO MILK Soft cleansing milk gently cleanses the skin of makeup and other impurities that accumulate during the day. Ecoskin® strengthens the skin barrier, takes care of the microflora.
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HAND SANITIZER WITH PROTECTIVE EFFECT Hand disinfection without washing becomes a pleasant procedure with this hydroalcoholic gel. Bioecolia® contributes to the restoration of the ecoflora of the skin to the detriment of unwanted bacteria, Glycofilm® forms a protective film on the skin.
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DEODORANT This high quality and effective roll-on deodorant reduces underarm odor. Teflose® neutralizes odor-causing bacteria while maintaining beneficial skin flora
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Skin microorganisms provide a protective function and are involved in many physiological phenomena. In turn, our body provides them with all the necessary elements for their survival. However, in some cases of dysbacteriosis, it is necessary to help the body restore the balance between microorganisms and their habitat. The Solabia Group has been researching the flora of the skin and maintaining its balance for over 30 years. Solabia, which specializes in the study of glycans, has been developing this area for many years in accordance with a three-pronged strategy.
1) Nutrition of the microbiota.
Prebiotics, composed of a sequence of glucose units, are a favorite substrate for the nutrition of our microorganisms. Bioecolia®, produced by a patented enzymatic biocatalysis method from plant substrates, is a source of carbon for most microorganisms and is very poorly metabolized by pathogens in our ecosystem. This selectivity is due to the presence of specific compounds that ensure faster and more efficient use of glucose by our flora, which as a result of this develops in the first place. This competitively limits the development of pathogens responsible for dysbacteriosis. Thus, acting globally on the microbiome of the skin, scalp and mucous membranes, Bioecolia is the guardian of our ecosystem.
2) Strengthen the natural protection of the skin.
Interested in probiotics in nutrition, Solabia continued its research and developed Ecoskin®, a symbiotic active ingredient that combines two prebiotics and two probiotic bacteria in an inactivated form. In addition to the ability of this complex to bioselectively interact with the microbiota, glucooligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides (obtained from yacon tubers) during the tests demonstrated a stimulating effect on the synthesis of antimicrobial peptides of the β-defensin-2 and β-defensin-3 types.
3) Communication between microorganisms and skin.
Colonization of the skin and mucous membranes by bacteria uses adhesion factors associated with specialized structures present on their surface. They have the ability to bind to skin-specific receptors. The Solabia Group has developed Teflose®, a polysaccharide with a high concentration of rhamnose, a sugar with specific affinity for epidermal cell receptors. On the surface of the skin, this molecule acts as a shield and reduces the reactions resulting from discomfort. Teflose® can be applied anywhere (soothing care, deodorants, sensitive/AD skin care, oily skin care, personal care) and can also be combined with prebiotics to help maintain the microbiota and prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria, especially if the skin ecosystem weakened. The development of scientific knowledge about the role of the human microbiota has led to a change in approach in the cosmetics industry. If yesterday microorganisms were perceived negatively, because they were considered the cause of many diseases, today the mentality has changed. From now on, it is important to consider the microbiome as an integral part of the skin. The Solabia Group’s specialization in enzymatic biocatalysis, thanks to its proprietary active ingredients Bioecolia®, Ecoskin® and Teflose®, allows the use of state-of-the-art knowledge and provides protection and comfort to the skin.
Natalya Novikova, technical and consulting support specialist, Revada LLC
