Bioactive polymers for cosmetics: unleashing the potential of Chromohalobacter canadensis 28

Abstract

The growing demand for natural products in the cosmetic industry has led to increased interest in natural polysaccharides that offer biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. Microorganisms have emerged as a promising source for large-scale production of these polysaccharides under controlled conditions. Among them, the halophilic bacterium Chromohalobacter canadensis 28 stands out as it produces an exopolymer (Cc EP) consisting of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and poly-gamma-glutamic acid (gamma-PGA), making it the first halophilic microorganism known for PGA production. This study explores the potential of crude Cc EP and purified gamma-PGA for improving the skin barrier, stimulating collagen and hyaluronic acid production, and facilitating wound closure. Through in-vitro experiments using human epidermal keratinocyte cells (HaCaT) and dermal fibroblast cells (PCS-201-012), both the exopolymers were found to exhibit positive effects on cellular proliferation and the expression of genes related to collagen, hyaluronic acid, involucrin, and filaggrin. Furthermore, in-vitro scratch models demonstrated their ability to enhance wound closure. Based on these promising findings, we propose that Cc EP and purified gamma-PGA hold potential as active ingredients in cosmeceutical products. Their ability to promote cell proliferation, improve collagen and hyaluronic acid expression, and enhance wound closure makes them valuable assets for skincare applications.