Safety and clinical efficacy of dermocosmetic formulations with biocompounds from microalgae

Abstract

Microalgae are eukaryotes, unicellular and photosynthetic microorganisms with great potential for the production of fatty acids, pigments such as carotenoids and chlorophyll, and other metabolites of interest in the food industry, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. There are few reports in the literature showing the use of microalgae in cosmetic preparations. Furthermore, safety information and effectiveness of these products are not discussed yet. This project proposes to investigate the biotechnological potential of two species of microalgae Neochloris oleoabundans UTEX 1185 and Ankistrodemsus braunni UTEX 245 for their application in the cosmetics industry. Biomass and / or their biocompounds will be incorporated in cosmetic formulations. For the evaluation of safety and clinical efficacy of these dermocosmetics, it is essential to carry out research internship abroad at Academic and Scientific Center of Excellence - CBIOS, Centre for Research in Biosciences & Health Technologies, Universidade Lusófona, Lisbon /Portugal. Therefore, the specific objectives of this research will be: (1) determine the safety and efficacy of the formulations by non-invasive evaluation of the biophysical properties of the skin, conducted by use of skin bioengineering equipment; and (2) determination of antioxidant / anti-inflammatory in vivo of cosmetic formulations containing microalgae by combining the application methodology methyl nicotinate and fluximetria Laser Doppler. It is noteworthy that in São Paulo, State Law No. 15316 of January 23, 2014, regulates the prohibition of the use of animals for development, experiment and testing of cosmetics and toiletries. Hence, the proposed essays in this project fulfill this law. (AU)