PUBLICATIONS

Making Waves with Sargassum Ingredient

Personal Care Global - September 2023

Melisa DeGroot, Rebecca Held, Paul Lawrence, Joseph Ceccoli - Biocogent

The ocean covers over 70% of the planet and includes many diverse marine environments. With some of the Earth's most extreme habitats, rich biodiversity has evolved to survive and even thrive in these dynamic high-stress environments despite extreme temperatures, pressure, oxidation, salinity, and light levels. <Read the Complete Article>

Presented at the 2021 SCC Annual Scientific Meeting and Showcase

Abstract

There is considerable interest in finding natural ingredients capable of restoring and maintaining skin health via modulation of the skin microbiome. The skin surface is host to an array of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One of the most prevalent bacterial species is Cutibacterium acnes, which has been linked to flare-ups of acne vulgaris as a results of excessive growth, stimulation of inflammation, and/or biofilm formation. Although antibiotics are prescribed frequently for treatment of severe acne, clinicians are hesitant to rely upon these drugs and many strains of C. acnes already have evolved antibiotic resistance, forcing scientists to explore alternatives. An ancient Chinese remedy in the form of the plant Epimedium sagitattum (or horny goat weed) was examined for its touted anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. An extract of E. sagitattum was developed and evaluated in vitro for its potential anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant features. A dilution series of the extract was utilized in a Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) assay with biofilms produced by C. acnes. Relative to negative control standards and a formulation with no known associated anti-biofilm activity, E. sagitattum extract delivered a 4-log reduction in C. acnes biofilms. In addition, the dilution series was applied to human keratinocytes that were stimulated with interferon-gamma (IFN) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP) to determine its effect on bacterial activation of multiple inflammatory factors. The findings from this effort were corroborated by complementary biochemical tests, confirming that the extract down-regulated no less than 6 different inflammatory mediators and pro-inflammatory molecules, including: PLA2, MIP-1β, MCP-1, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF, and COX-2. The extract also showed significant anti-oxidant effects. Based on these findings, it was concluded that E. sagitattum extract, subsequently named Grandiciin®, reduces biofilms formed by C. acnes. Furthermore, the anti-biofilm activity complements the capacity of Grandiciin® to diminish levels of multiple mediators of skin inflammation. Combining all of these features, Grandiciin® makes an exciting new ingredient for modulating the skin microbiome and promoting balanced skin health when formulating for blemish-prone skin. <Read the Complete Poster>

A Topical Ameliorative Agent for Acne Vulgaris Utilizing a Naturally Occurring Bacteriophage Targeting Propionibacterium acnes

Presented at the 2020 SCC Annual Scientific Meeting and Showcase

Paul Lawrence, Brianna Scacchi, Julie Fisher, and Joseph Ceccoli

Abstract

Bacteriophages are a unique group of viruses that exclusively target specific bacteria species, represent the most abundant form of life on Earth, and are the active component in a bacterial countermeasure dating back to the early 20th century. Unlike antibiotics, bacteriophages are very species specific. <Read the Complete Poster>

Tackling the Delivery of Beneficial microRNAs to the Skin

Presented at the 2020 SCC Annual Scientific Meeting and Showcase

Brianna Scacchi, Julie Fisher, Joseph Ceccoli, and Paul Lawrence

Abstract

Gene expression can be modulated without alterations to the genetic code by a group of mechanisms collectively called “epigenetics”. One such mechanism is the post-transcriptional down-regulation of protein synthesis via small endogenous RNA molecules called microRNAs (or miRs). <Read the Complete Poster>

Natural Cosmetic Ingredients with Epigenetic Activity

EXPRESSION COSMÉTIQUE: The Cosmetic Ingredients Guide 2020

Introduction

In the modern era of cosmetic skin care, scientists are expanding into areas of research previously not considered, including epigenetics – the modulation of gene expression without changes in the actual gene sequence of a person’s DNA.

Blooming with Benefits: Ancient Clove Bestows Modern Antioxidant, Skin Whitening Effects

Cosmetics & Toiletries

May 2020

Introduction

The use of plants and plant products for medicinal and therapeutic purposes has been around since the beginning of civilization. The Eber Papyrus, an Egyptian documentation of herbal knowledge, shows that medical “prescriptions” were in use as early as 1800 B.C. Even earlier, the foundation for medical science of the Hindu culture originates in ayurveda, a therapy traditionally comprising herbal compounds and minerals. Ayurveda is mentioned in the Rigveda, one of the oldest repositories of human knowledge, which was written between 4500–1600 B.C. The use of clove (Eugenia caryophyllus), in particular, is reported as far back as 240 B.C. in China, where it was cited for apparent medicinal purposes. Over the years, clove has been taken orally to treat diarrhea as well as liver, stomach and bowel ailments. It has been used to combat toothaches and for mouth and throat inflammation. And, especially in tropical Asia, clove has been used for treatment of conditions such as scabies, cholera, malaria and tuberculosis. To this day, clove is widely employed in holistic medicine in several countries for the treatment of colds, dental abscesses, gum disease, earache and arthritis pain. Moreover, it has anti-fungal, anti-convulsant, anti-cancer and anti-mutagenic activities.

[video] Botanicals Impart Pleiotropical Effects for Skin Benefits

Cosmetics & Toiletries

January 2020

Introduction

'Pleiotanicals' refers to a line of pleiotropic materials developed by Biocogent from botanicals. These impart multiple functions by acting through a single gene. In this video demo, shot in the company's lab, Paul Lawrence, Ph.D., director of bioscience research and product development, and Rebecca Held, marketing coordinator, describe the development and benefits of such an ingredient; in particular, one derived from clove flower extract: Tellirictin. Lawrence notes how polyphenolic compounds including tellemagrandin are isolated from this plant and serve a variety of skin benefits.

Additionally, as Joe Ceccoli, president and CEO, describes in his company overview, Biocogent seeks to develop advanced technologies for skin care by leveraging biotechnologies such as fermentation, and even engineer some molecules for biofunctionality.

Learn more from the video; watch now.

The New Era of microRNA Profiling and Its Impact on Modern Cosmetics

Euro Cosmetics

June 2019, Volume 27

Abstract

The discovery of microRNAs and the gradual elucidation of their regulatory impact on protein expression has opened up a new arena of research into the development of therapeutics with cosmetic as well as pharmaceutical applications. It has been shown that disease states and environmental factors are capable of altering the expression of a person’s microRNAs, thus causing an imbalance in their normal homeostatic levels that results in alterations in the cellular levels of certain proteins. As such, academic and industrial research groups have heavily investigated the dysregulation of specific microRNAs in response to extrinsic and intrinsic factors, culminating their findings into unique microRNA signatures; a process known as microRNA profiling. Here, we examine the microRNA profiles that have been developed for ultraviolet (UV) light-damaged skin cells and how a novel new bio-active ingredient for skin care products augments the activity of a DNA repair pathway and the microRNA regulatory pathways stimulated in response to UV light.

Over the Top: Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors for Restorative Epigenetic Skin Care

Cosmetics & Toiletries

January 2019

Abstract

The case of acetylation and deacetylation of nonhistone proteins, the so-called acetylome, also has received a significant amount of attention. The acetylation of nonhistone proteins can modulate their DNA-binding ability, protein stability, ability to interact with other proteins, as well as their capacity to induce transcriptional activation. Intriguingly, the majority of proteins that are subject to reversible acetylation are involved in cellular signaling related to oncogenic and immune pathways. Indeed, the first nonhistone protein identified as a substrate for HATs was the well-known tumor suppressor protein p53. Currently, many reports of HDACis ameliorating a variety of conditions have emerged. This review will attempt to coalesce and refine them into a cogent discussion, with an emphasis on their utility for treating several skin conditions.

A New Code for Skin Care, Part III: RNA Activation - The Flipside to RNA Interference

Cosmetics & Toiletries

March 2018

Abstract

Many biomedical and cosmetic research groups have sought to harness the power of RNA interference (RNAi) to treat a variety of skin diseases and conditions. RNAi involves the utilization of small non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules called short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), which silence the expression of specific genes and, by extension, the synthesis of their encoded protein molecules.

Considerable progress has been made to not only develop siRNA and miRNA molecules for use as actives to treat skin conditions, but also to design delivery vehicles that are capable of delivering the ncRNA effectors across the skin barrier. Interestingly, as the scientific knowledge of RNAi has expanded, a completely opposite process of RNA activation (RNAa) also has been discovered. Here, small ncRNAs can promote gene expression rather than ablating it, thus providing another approach to treating skin conditions with nucleic acid-based therapeutics.

A New Code for Skin Care, Part II: RNA Activation - Breakthroughs in the Delivery

of RNAi Therapeutics

Cosmetics & Toiletries

January 2018

Abstract

What prevents naked siRNA or miRNA from being administered directly into the skin? First, the skin is littered with enzymes called nucleases that will chop unmodified nucleic acids into pieces.8, 9 Second, siRNAs and miRNAs are relatively large compared to most skin-permeable materials. Additionally, miRNAs are hydrophilic molecules with an inherent negative charge, whereas skin-permeable molecules tend to be lipophilic and without a charge.

To overcome these issues, siRNAs and/or miRNAs require pairing with a delivery vehicle that can shield them from degradation, mask their hydrophilicity, and promote skin and cellular penetration. Recent progress with so-called elastic liposomes or liposomes modified with cell-penetrating peptides suggests these delivery obstacles could be surmounted, potentially unleashing the full potential of RNAi-based skin therapies.

A New Code for Skin Care, Part I: RNA Activation - RNAi to Rewrite Cosmetics

Cosmetics & Toiletries

November-December 2017

Abstract

If distilled down to the very basics, modern day cosmetics amount to a liquid, gel, ointment or cream solution used to deliver a mixture of molecules to the skin for beneficial effects. But what if skin care or conditions could be tackled genetically rather than biochemically? This would essentially amount to making cells in the skin do the work of the cosmetic solution. Or potentially combining an effective biochemical solution with a genetic component.

This article briefly discusses RNA interference (RNAi) technology, a platform that has been applied in many fields of biomedical research since its inception in the early 1990s. RNAi represents a new frontier in the skin care industry that has been actively explored by many different laboratories and companies. In fact, once a year or more, articles are published detailing the untapped potential for deploying RNAi technology for the amelioration of a variety of skin diseases and disorders.

Advances in the Application and Impact of MicroRNAs as Therapies for Skin Disease

BioDrugs

September 2017, Volume 31

Abstract

The advent of RNA interference (RNAi) tech-nology has profoundly impacted molecular biology research and medicine but has also advanced the ﬁeld of skin care. Both effector molecules of RNAi, short-inter-fering RNA molecules and microRNAs (miRNAs), have been explored for their relative impact and utility for treating a variety of skin conditions. These post-transcrip-tional RNA regulatory molecules down-modulate protein expression through targeting of the 30 untranslated regions of messenger RNAs, leading to their degradation or repression through sequestration. As researchers hunt for genetic linkages to skin diseases, miRNA regulators have emerged as key players in the biology of keratinocytes, ﬁbroblasts, melanocytes, and other cells of the skin. Herein, we attempt to coalesce the current efforts to combat various skin disorders and diseases through the development of miRNA-based technologies.

MicroRNA Profiling in Skin Care: What Have We Learned?

International Journal of Molecular Biology

June 2017, Volume 2, Issue 4

Abstract

For a number of years, profiling of the up and down-regulation of specific micro RNAs in response to various skin afflictions has been conducted to expand our understanding of these conditions as well as to find new therapeutic solutions. MicroRNAs represent one of the short non-coding RNA effectors of the RNA interference pathway for post-transcriptional gene silencing. Due to their flexible sequence complementarity requirements for targeting specific messenger RNAs, micro RNAs have the capacity to modulate gene expression of multiple proteins in a cell, thus potentially impacting several signaling pathways. Multiple technologies have been developed to make the study of micro RNA modulation more prolific and mainstream. With the wealth of data that has been accumulated as a result of these expanded analyses, it is worthwhile to inquire about what has been learned and how treatments for skin diseases and disorders have been expanded and improved due to micro RNA profiling.