Innovative Approaches in Active Conveyor Systems

Innovative Approaches in Active Delivery Systems – Smart Discs As smart technologies influence every aspect of our lives today, it is inevitable that they also impact the personal care industry. Consumers are increasingly expecting innovative and effective solutions that do not harm our planet. While many companies make different investments and technology developments in this field, Bicosome has focused on the controlled transport of actives through skin layers without degradation, and has developed Bicosome's patented technology. Bicosomes are nanostructures inspired by the layered bodies of the skin. The structure, composition and function mimic layered objects, and due to these biomimetic properties, they penetrate the deepest layers of the skin and interact with our skin without using chemical promoters or any other strategy that damages the skin. [caption id="attachment_143729" align="aligncenter"] Fluorescence microscopy images of skin treated overnight with different bicosome prototypes containing sodium fluorescein (grip). (FLU-Na)[/caption] Additionally, the technology actively works by incorporating the lipids coating the actives into the skin lipid matrix, thereby improving barrier function. It is well known that maintaining healthy barrier function is very important in protecting us from environmental aggressors and maintaining skin homeostasis.

Mechanism of Action

Bicosome®, consists of an outer lipid vesicle made of biomimetic lipids. It contains small secondary structures we call Smart Discs. Active ingredients are contained within biomimetic Smart Discs of 10-20 nm in size, and controlled delivery to target layers is achieved by utilizing this double encapsulation with increased stability. When Bicosome® comes into contact with skin, the outer layer combines with the skin surface. This outer composition moisturizes the skin's uppermost layer, while the released Smart Discs, due to their small molecular size, are transported smoothly through intercellular spaces, allowing actives to penetrate to the lowest layers of the skin. [caption id="attachment_143731" align="aligncenter"] When Smart Discs reach the target layer, they sense the physicochemical properties of the skin layer (pH, water content, etc.) and begin to interact with lipids naturally found in skin. Through this interaction, the Discs reshape and integrate with the skin lipid matrix, while the stabilized actives are released.[/caption] Our product portfolio consists of actives with the benefits of the aforementioned technology combined with the effects of selected active ingredients. Through the Smart Cosmetics approach, we aim to develop effective and science-based products for the personal care industry to meet primary market needs.  

Clinical Studies of Bicoalgae XT and Bicomide SM Produced with Bicosome Technology

Bicoalgae® XT, H. pluvialis in its composition, is a type of microalgae containing various carotenoids and nutrients that provide significant benefits to skin biology. However, the most important related active in the extract is Astaxanthin, which is present in high concentrations and is recognized as the most powerful antioxidant carotenoid known to date, with 65 times more antioxidant power compared to vitamin C. Thanks to the double encapsulation of Bicosome® Technology, such unstable antioxidants can be stabilized and any degradation can be prevented before release. In studies conducted, H. pluvialis extract delivered with Bicosome Technology caused a marked reduction in wrinkles and water loss as a sign of improved barrier function. Additionally, volunteers experienced improvements in skin firmness and increased skin radiance. Furthermore, the ingredient increased antioxidant capacity with an additional shield effect against pollution particles and blue light radiation. [caption id="attachment_143732" align="aligncenter"] Visible improvement on the participant's face after 56 days of treatment. Reduction in wrinkles, redness and spot appearance on the skin can be observed.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_143733" align="aligncenter"] After 30 days of treatment with Bicomide SM Gel, clinical evaluation revealed clear improvement in the appearance of lesions.[/caption]

Bicomide® Sebum & Microbiome Control

Bicosome also aims to repair damage that has occurred on skin due to various conditions and promote skin healing. Bicomide® Sebum & Microbiome Control, which targets skin microbiome dysbiosis and excess sebum production, is a component specifically designed for oily skin types to reduce sebum production at its source. Oily skin tends to develop acne, especially due to accumulation of sebum and dead cells in the follicle. Clogging of pores with sebum buildup increases anaerobic conditions in the follicle. Both the high presence of lipids and anaerobic conditions cause microbiome dysbiosis that leads to hyperproliferation of Cutibacterium acnes. By reducing the amount of sebum through Bicomide®, anaerobic conditions in the follicle are reduced, and consequently the C. acnes population will also decrease. Bicosome® Technology used in Bicomide® also improves skin barrier function and helps restore natural skin microbiome balance through natural processes. Therefore, Bicomide® targets not only sebum production, but also the natural rebalancing of the skin microbiome. The claims mentioned above are supported by in-vivo clinical studies conducted with volunteers presenting acne-type conditions. Additionally, it was observed that it reduces pore size and prevents new acne lesions. Participants noted that the face overall appeared cleaner and the oily appearance was reduced.  

Our Other Products Manufactured with Bicosome Technology:

• Bicosome® FS: A biomimetic filler that improves skin barrier, with long-lasting effects on elasticity and firmness. Prevents and repairs skin barrier damage. • Bicowhite® Complex: With five active ingredients targeting five different processes associated with hyperpigmentation, it removes skin spots and evens skin tone. • Bicotene® Natural: Delivers stable beta-carotene to the epidermis. Prevents photoaging and increases skin's antioxidant capacity. It is a biological sunscreen. • Bicoalgae® ω3®: A stable microalgae extract rich in omega-3 fatty acids, a pro-resolving inflammatory agent, that prevents inflammation and slows inflammaging. • Bicobiome®: Contains 3 active complexes to improve scalp balance. Reduces dandruff, sebum and flaking while establishing scalp microbiome balance. • Bicohair® HP: A series where Bicosome® Technology is designed to target hair strands. Adheres to hair with high efficacy, providing lipid loading to hair to protect and repair from thermal and chemical damage. • Bicohair® UP: Bicohair® Urban Pollution adheres to hair to prevent accumulation of pollutant particles on hair. Prevents degradation of hair proteins and color loss.     Author: Sergi Vizcaíno Fuentes Sales and Marketing Manager Bicosome   Compiled by: Elvidar Akol Profen Life Sciences Business Unit Manager Profen Kimya