Method for inhibiting growth of microorganisms

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine to inhibit the growth of a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface; wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition. The invention also relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine in microbiome equilibrium on a surface, where the equilibrium means to selectively reduce the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no effect of reducing the number of symbiotic microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis; wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods for microbiome balance on a surface, preferably on human skin, more preferably on the scalp. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising alanine for inhibiting the growth of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Cutibacterium acnes. The present invention also relates to the use of a composition comprising alanine for microbiome balance on a surface. Background Art

[0002] Microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, and mites) are often found on surfaces such as fabrics, hard surfaces, and skin. The surface microbiome refers to this entire population of microorganisms present on the surface. Some of the microorganisms present on the surface are considered beneficial, while some other microorganisms that coexist with the beneficial microorganisms are harmful in nature. The skin microbiome is an ecosystem composed of numerous microbial species that interact with their surrounding environment. Maintaining skin microbiome balance is necessary for maintaining healthy skin. Disruption of the balance can lead to skin disorders or infections. The "balance" between beneficial and harmful microorganisms is important.

[0003] The scalp microbiome has recently become the focus of some attention for its potential pathogenic role in the development of dandruff. The main fungal / bacterial species present on the scalp are Malassezia restricta, Malassezia globnosa, Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus capitis. Staphylococci are the most abundant bacterial genus on both healthy and dandruff scalps. However, at the species level, Staphylococcus capitis has been reported to be positively correlated with dandruff conditions, while Staphylococcus epidermidis is considered a commensal bacterium that is positively correlated with non-dandruff scalp conditions in terms of relative or absolute abundance.

[0004] Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a Gram-positive bacterium that colonizes human skin and scalp. The lipophilic anaerobe mainly resides in the sebaceous follicular unit rich in sebum. The overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes is associated with acne production. Controlling the overgrowth of Cutibacterium acnes provides a way to reduce acne.

[0005] Antimicrobial compositions are commonly used by individuals to eliminate or reduce the number of harmful microorganisms. However, the application of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compositions (such as zinc pyrithione) can also kill or inhibit beneficial microorganisms.

[0006] There is a continuing need for treatments that can provide microbiome balance by selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms while having a minimal impact on the number of beneficial microorganisms or by selectively increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that alanine or a composition containing a certain level of alanine can inhibit the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface, while having no inhibitory effect on commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition containing alanine for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface; wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition containing alanine in the microbiome balance on a surface, wherein balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis; and wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of applying alanine or a composition containing alanine to a surface to inhibit the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of applying alanine or a composition containing alanine to a surface to balance the microbiome, wherein balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, the present invention relates to alanine or a composition containing alanine for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, the present invention relates to alanine or a composition containing alanine for microbiome balance on a surface, wherein balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0014] All other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent by considering the following detailed description and examples. Detailed Description

[0015] To avoid ambiguity, any feature of one aspect of the present invention can be used in any other aspect of the present invention. The word "comprising" is intended to mean "including" but not necessarily "consisting of" or "constituted by". In other words, the listed steps or options need not be exhaustive. It should be noted that the examples given in the following description are intended to illustrate the present invention and are not meant to limit the present invention to these examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in operating examples and comparative examples, or where otherwise explicitly indicated, all numbers in this specification representing amounts of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties and / or uses of materials should be understood to be modified by the word "about". Numerical ranges expressed in the format "x to y" should be understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges for a particular feature are described in the form of "x to y", it should be understood that all ranges combining different endpoints are also contemplated. As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and its corresponding definite article "the" mean at least one, or one or more. The various features of the present invention mentioned in the above respective parts are appropriately applied to other parts with necessary modifications. Thus, the features specified in one part can be appropriately combined with the features specified in other parts. The addition of any section headings is for convenience only and is not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.

[0016] As used herein, "cosmetic composition" means a composition for topical application to the skin, hair and / or scalp of a mammal (especially a human). Such compositions are typically applied to the desired topical surface of the body for a period of from a few seconds to up to 24 hours. When the application period is short (e.g., about a few seconds to a few minutes) and the composition is then rinsed off or wiped off with water, such a composition is referred to as a cleansing composition or a rinse-off composition. On the other hand, when the composition is applied for a longer period (e.g., a few minutes to up to 24 hours) and is typically washed off during normal personal cleansing, such a composition is referred to as a leave-on composition. The compositions according to the present invention include any product for application to the human body which is also used for improving appearance, cleansing, odor control or general aesthetics.

[0017] As used herein, "hair care composition" means a composition for topical application to the hair or scalp of a mammal, particularly a human. Topical means applying the composition to the outer surface of the body. In the present invention, this is achieved by applying the composition to the hair or scalp. Such compositions are generally classifiable as leave-on or rinse-off types and include any product for improving the appearance, cleansing, odor control, or general aesthetics of the scalp and hair. The hair care composition of the present invention can be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, foam, scrub, gel, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or soap bar. The hair care composition of the present invention is preferably a leave-on composition. Optionally, the hair care composition of the present invention is a rinse-off composition. Compositions that achieve the desired benefits by ingestion into the human body are not included within the scope of the present invention.

[0018] Microorganism

[0019] Microorganisms can be described as tiny living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, or mites. The microbiome on a surface collectively refers to all the microorganisms on the surface. In other words, the microbiome is a community of microorganisms.

[0020] As used herein, the term "microbiome balance" means selectively eliminating / killing / reducing the microorganisms present on the surface that are considered harmful, while maintaining the microorganisms considered beneficial at substantially the same level or even increasing the number of microorganisms considered beneficial.

[0021] At least one of the microorganisms considered harmful herein is Staphylococcus capitis, which is a species of the genus Staphylococcus, and however, shows a significant increase in dandruff compared to a healthy scalp.

[0022] At least one of the microorganisms considered harmful herein is Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes), which is a Gram-positive bacterium colonizing the human skin and scalp. The lipophilic anaerobic bacteria mainly reside in the sebum-rich follicular sebaceous unit. The overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes is associated with acne production. Controlling the overgrowth of Propionibacterium acnes provides a way to reduce acne.

[0023] The microorganism considered beneficial is Staphylococcus epidermidis. It has been reported that Staphylococcus epidermidis is a beneficial bacterium involved in maintaining skin health. It is a normal microorganism that is likely to be involved in the competitive exclusion of pathogens. Therefore, it is an indicator of the microbiome state of the surface. The increase and maintenance of Staphylococcus epidermidis are important ways to maintain the composition of a healthy microbiome.

[0024] The present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface. However, this use has no inhibitory effect on the growth of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The surface is preferably human skin, for example, the surface of the hand, face, body or scalp. More preferably, the surface is the scalp.

[0025] Microbiome balance is obtained by selectively reducing the quantity of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes while having no reducing effect on the quantity of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0026] The present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine in microbiome balance on a surface. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The surface is preferably human skin, for example, the surface of the hand, face, body or scalp. More preferably, the surface is the scalp.

[0027] Preferably, this use is for inhibiting dandruff to promote scalp health. Alternatively, preferably, this use is for inhibiting acne to promote skin health.

[0028] Alanine

[0029] Alanine is an abundant, simple, non-essential amino acid. Alanine may be selected from L-alanine, D-alanine and D,L-alanine.

[0030] Amino acids are generally considered as a nutrient source for microorganisms and the human body. It has surprisingly been found that when applied to a surface, alanine or a composition comprising a certain level of alanine can inhibit the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes. However, this use has no inhibitory effect on the growth of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis. Thus, this use can provide microbiome balance, thereby selectively reducing the quantity of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes while having no reducing effect on the quantity of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0031] The composition of the present invention comprises at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine, preferably at least 0.5% of alanine, more preferably at least 1% of alanine.

[0032] Preferably, the composition comprises 0.25% to 10% by weight of the total composition of alanine, preferably 0.5% to 5% of alanine, more preferably 1% to 5%, still more preferably 1% to 2% of alanine, and includes all ranges therebetween.

[0033] In compositions intended to be diluted before application, the minimum preferred concentration of alanine can be higher. It is generally preferred that the concentration of alanine in the compositions in accordance with the uses of the present invention is equal to or higher than the optimal concentration in the working composition, since in many typical applications the composition is used in pure form or is diluted to form the working composition. For example, when washing hands with water and the composition of the present invention, the foam produced is typically a 50 wt% dilution of the original composition. Similarly, in hair washing, bathing situations, liquid soaps or soap bars are typically diluted in water to about 8 wt% to 10 wt%, corresponding to an approximate ten-fold dilution of the product. Thus, the concentration of alanine in the composition is preferably such that when the composition is diluted or dissolved with a suitable medium before or during use, the concentration in the diluted or dissolved mixture is still sufficient to provide the microbiome balance benefit on the surface.

[0034] Composition

[0035] The composition is preferably a cosmetic composition. A cosmetic composition is a composition for the treatment, cleansing, care or conditioning of humans. The foregoing includes, but is not limited to, chemicals, compositions, products or combinations thereof, which are involved in the use or application of, or are related to, the treatment, cleansing or conditioning of the human body (especially including the skin, hair, scalp and oral cavity), as well as the manufacture of all of the foregoing. Examples of cosmetic compositions include, but are not limited to, leave-on skin lotions and creams, shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, soap bars, antiperspirants, deodorants, shaving creams, depilatory agents, lip balms, foundations, mascaras, self-tanning agents or sunscreen lotions. Preferably, the composition is a leave-on cosmetic composition.

[0036] The composition is preferably a skin or hair care composition, more preferably a leave-on skin or hair care composition.

[0037] Preferred cosmetic compositions for use in the present invention include rinse-off or leave-on skin or hair care compositions, such as skin lotions and creams, shower gels, soap bars, shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, gels, serums, mousses or oils. Leave-on hair and / or scalp care compositions are preferred, such as lotions, serums, oils intended for topical application to the hair and / or scalp.

[0038] The composition for use in the present invention generally comprises a cosmetically acceptable carrier. The term "cosmetically acceptable" means that the carrier is suitable for topical application to the skin, has good aesthetic properties, is compatible with any other ingredients, and does not cause any safety or toxicity problems.

[0039] The carrier may comprise an aqueous phase, an oil phase, an alcohol, a siloxane phase or a mixture thereof, and may be in the form of an emulsion. The emulsion may have a range of consistencies, including thin emulsions (which may also be suitable for spray or aerosol delivery), creamy emulsions, light creams and heavy creams.

[0040] The compositions for use in the present invention may also be formulated in a single-phase carrier, such as a hydrophobic or hydrophilic liquid. Suitable hydrophobic liquid carriers include liquid polyorganosiloxanes, mineral oils, hydrogenated polyisobutene, polydecene, alkanes and isoparaffins having at least 10 carbon atoms, aliphatic or aromatic ester oils (such as isopropyl myristate, lauryl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, diisopropyl sebacate, diisopropyl adipate and C12 to C15 alkyl benzoates), polyglycol ethers (such as polyglycol butyl ether) and mixtures thereof. Suitable hydrophilic liquid carriers include water, mono- or polyaliphatic alcohols having 2 to 8 (preferably 2 or 3) carbon atoms (such as ethanol and isopropanol), oligomeric glycol ethers having 2 to 5 repeating units (such as dipropylene glycol) and mixtures thereof. A particularly preferred carrier is water.

[0041] The liquid-form compositions for use in the present invention may be thickened, for example, using one or more water-soluble or colloidal water-soluble polymer thickeners.

[0042] Preferably, the compositions for use in the present invention comprise a thickener.

[0043] Suitable water-soluble or colloidal water-soluble polymer thickeners include hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, polyquaternium-10, carrageenan, guar gum, hydroxypropyl guar gum, xanthan gum, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylic acid / ethyl acrylate copolymer, carboxyvinyl polymer, crosslinked polyacrylate polymer and polyacrylamide polymer.

[0044] The compositions for use in the present invention may additionally comprise a conditioning agent to provide conditioning benefits. Preferably, the composition comprises discrete dispersed droplets of a water-insoluble conditioning agent having an average droplet diameter (D3,2) of less than 15 microns, preferably less than 10 microns, more preferably less than 5 microns, and most preferably less than 3 microns. The average droplet diameter (D3,2) of the water-insoluble conditioning agent may be measured by laser scattering techniques, for example using a 2600D particle size analyzer from Malvern Instruments.

[0045] The water-insoluble conditioning agent may include a non-silicone conditioning agent comprising a non-silicone oily or fatty substance, such as a hydrocarbon oil, a fatty ester and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the water-insoluble conditioning agent is an emulsified silicone oil.

[0046] Suitable siloxanes include polydiorganosiloxanes, in particular polydimethylsiloxane, which is named dimethicone by CTFA. Also suitable for the compositions of the present invention (in particular shampoos and conditioners) is polydimethylsiloxane with hydroxyl end groups, which is named dimethicone copolyol by CTFA. Also suitable for the compositions of the present invention are silicone gums with a slight degree of crosslinking, as described, for example, in WO 96 / 31188. Preferably, the silicone oil comprises dimethicone, dimethicone copolyol or a mixture thereof.

[0047] Suitable emulsified siloxanes included in the compositions for use in the present invention are available as preformed silicone emulsions from silicone suppliers such as Dow Corning and GE silicones. For ease of processing and control of the silicone particle size, it is preferred to use such preformed silicone emulsions. Such preformed silicone emulsions usually additionally contain suitable emulsifiers and can be prepared by chemical emulsification methods such as emulsion polymerization or by mechanical emulsification using a high-shear mixer. Examples of suitable preformed silicone emulsions include DC1785, DC1788, DC7128, all of which are purchased from Dow Corning. These are emulsions of dimethicone copolyol / dimethicone.

[0048] Another class of siloxanes that can be used are functionalized siloxanes, such as amino-functionalized siloxanes, meaning siloxanes containing at least one primary amine group, secondary amine group or tertiary amine group or quaternary ammonium group. Examples of suitable amino-functional silicones include polysiloxanes named "aminopropyl dimethicone" by CTFA.

[0049] Based on the total weight of the composition, the water-insoluble conditioner is usually present in the compositions for use in the present invention in an amount of from 0.05 to 15%, preferably from 0.1 to 10%, more preferably from 0.5 to 8%, most preferably from 1 to 5%.

[0050] The pH of the compositions used according to the present invention is preferably equal to or higher than 4.0, more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 10.0.

[0051] The oils and lotions for use in the present invention usually have an oil phase containing one or more cosmetically acceptable fatty substances, which may be liquid or solid at room temperature (25°C). The lotion is usually an aqueous emulsion having an aqueous phase in addition to the oil phase.

[0052] Suitable cosmetically acceptable fatty materials include oils of natural origin (such as sunflower oil, borage oil, soybean oil, castor oil, olive oil and almond oil); esters of monoalcohols or polyalcohols with mono- or polycarboxylic acids, at least one of the alcohol and / or acid containing at least one hydrocarbon radical chain having at least 6 carbon atoms (such as octyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate, isohexyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl oleate, cetyl stearate, decyl stearate, dihexyl decyl adipate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl myristate, lauryl acetate, cetyl propionate, isononyl isononanoate, dipropylene glycol dicaprate, diisopropyl adipate, dibutyl adipate and oleyl adipate); ethers (such as dioctyl ether); fatty alcohols (such as cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol and behenyl alcohol); isoparaffins (such as isooctane, isododecane and isocetane); silicone oils (such as cyclomethicone, dimethicone and dimethiconol); hydrocarbon oils (such as mineral oil, petrolatum and polyisobutene); fatty acids containing 8 to 30 carbon atoms (such as stearic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid); vegetable fats (such as cocoa butter, coconut oil, palm oil and shea butter); petroleum-based, natural and synthetic waxes (such as lanolin wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, paraffin wax, montan wax, microcrystalline wax, ozokerite, ceresin and polyethylene wax); hydrogenated oils which are solid at 25 °C (such as hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated beef tallow and hydrogenated coconut oil); and fatty esters which are solid at 25 °C (such as C20-40 alkyl stearates).

[0053] The aqueous phase for the lotion according to the invention may also include one or more organic liquids which are miscible with water at room temperature (25 °C). Exemplary water-miscible organic liquids include monoalcohols and polyalcohols and their derivatives, such as C2-C6 alkanols (such as ethanol and isopropanol); C2-C10 diols and polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, octylene glycol, dipropylene glycol and diethylene glycol); C3-C16 glycol ethers (such as mono-, di- or tripropylene glycol (C1-C4) alkyl ethers and mono-, di- or triethylene glycol (C1-C4) alkyl ethers) and polyethylene glycols having 2 to 12 oxyethylene units.

[0054] The lotion for use in the present invention may also include surface active components, such as emulsifiers and solubilizers, to enable two or more immiscible components to be uniformly combined and to help stabilize the composition. Emulsifiers that can be used to form O / W or W / O emulsions include sorbitan oleate, sorbitan sesquioleate, sorbitan isostearate, sorbitan trioleate, PEG-20 sorbitan isostearate, polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, polyglyceryl oleate / isostearate, polyglyceryl-6 hexaricinoleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate / PEG-8 propylene glycol cocoate, polyglyceryl-2 di-polyhydroxystearate, PEG-30 di-polyhydroxystearate, oleamide DEA, TEA myristate, TEA stearate, magnesium stearate, sodium stearate, potassium laurate, potassium ricinoleate, sodium cocoate, sodium butyrate, potassium ricinoleate, sodium oleate, cetyl phosphate, diethanolamine cetyl phosphate, potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium glycerol oleate phosphate, dimethicone copolyol, cetyl dimethicone copolyol, octyl dimethicone ethoxyl glucoside copolyol, dimethicone copolyol crosslinked polymer, and dodecyl polymethylsiloxane copolyol.

[0055] Combinations of any of the above materials or product forms may also be used.

[0056] The composition for use in the present invention (as described above) may contain additional active substances for improving the physical and / or aesthetic properties of the scalp and / or hair. Examples include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and / or antioxidants, emollients, humectants, sunscreens, anti-irritants, exfoliants, plant extracts (such as pomegranate, birch, green tea, chamomile, and licorice extracts), and mixtures thereof.

[0057] The composition for use in the present invention (as described above) may include additional functional ingredients for improving the physical and / or aesthetic properties of the composition itself. Examples include inorganic pigments (such as titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, manganese violet, ultramarine, chromium hydrate, and iron blue); organic pigments (such as carbon black and organic lakes of barium, strontium, calcium, or aluminum); pearlescents (such as mica coated with titanium oxide and / or iron oxide); dyes, preservatives (such as disodium EDTA, benzyl alcohol, methyl paraben, phenoxyethanol, propyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, and isobutyl paraben); pH regulators, and fragrances (such as essential oils, flower oils, natural extracts from resins, gums, balsams, legumes, mosses, and other plants, and synthetic fragrance materials).

[0058] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0059] Preservatives can also be incorporated into the compositions for use in the present invention to prevent the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable conventional preservatives include alkyl esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionates, and various quaternary ammonium compounds. Illustrative but non-limiting examples of the types of preservatives that can be used in the present invention include, for example, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate, methyl p-hydroxybenzoate, butyl p-hydroxybenzoate, propyl p-hydroxybenzoate, diazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, octylene glycol, disodium EDTA, or mixtures thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the preservative is sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate, or a mixture thereof. The preservative is preferably used in an amount of from 0.01 to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0060] Further preferably, the compositions for use in the present invention comprise cosmetic ingredients. Preferably, the cosmetic ingredients are selected from silicones, antibacterial agents other than antidandruff agents, foam boosters, fragrances, encapsulates (such as encapsulated fragrances), dyes, colorants, pigments, preservatives, thickeners, proteins, phosphates, buffers, pH regulators, pearlescents (such as mica, titanium dioxide, titanium dioxide-coated mica, ethylene glycol distearate (INCI ethylene glycol distearate)) and / or opacifiers, viscosity regulators, emollients, sunscreens, emulsifiers, sensory actives (such as menthol and menthol derivatives), vitamins, mineral oils, essential oils, lipids, natural actives, glycerol, natural hair nutrients such as plant extracts, fruit extracts, sugar derivatives, and amino acids, microcrystalline cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0061] Preferably, the compositions for use in the present invention comprise at least one cosmetic ingredient in an amount of from 0.01 to 20% by weight, more preferably from 0.05 to 10% by weight, still more preferably from 0.075 to 7.5% by weight, and most preferably from 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition.

[0062] Method

[0063] The present invention provides the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface; wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of alanine. The surface here is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The use is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0064] Preferably, the present invention provides the use of a composition for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface; wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of alanine; wherein the composition provides a greater inhibitory benefit compared to a composition that does not comprise at least 0.25% by weight of alanine.

[0065] The present invention provides the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine in the microbiome balance on a surface, wherein the balance means selectively reducing the quantity of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the quantity of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The use is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0066] Preferably, the present invention provides the use of a composition in the microbiome balance on a surface, wherein the balance means selectively reducing the quantity of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the quantity of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine; and wherein the composition provides a greater microbiome balance benefit as compared to a composition that does not comprise at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine.

[0067] The present invention provides a method for applying alanine or a composition comprising alanine on a surface to inhibit the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The method is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0068] The present invention provides a method for applying alanine or a composition comprising alanine on a surface to balance the microbiome, wherein the balance means selectively reducing the quantity of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the quantity of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The method is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0069] The present invention provides a method for applying alanine or a composition comprising alanine on a surface for ensuring the growth of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis while protecting the surface against harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% by weight of the composition of alanine. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The method is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0070] The present invention provides alanine or a composition comprising alanine, which is used for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% of alanine by weight of the composition.

[0071] The present invention provides alanine or a composition comprising alanine, which is used for the microbiome balance on the surface, wherein the balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of symbiotic microorganisms which are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% of alanine by weight of the composition. Here, the surface is preferably the outer surface of the human body.

[0072] The composition is suitably applied to the hair and / or scalp and massaged into the scalp surface. Generally, an amount corresponding to about 1 to 15 ml of the composition per application is uniformly applied to the treatment area daily or at least once a week for a period of at least 7 (seven) days, preferably at least 28 days, more preferably at least 30 (thirty) days.

[0073] The present invention will be further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

[0074] Example

[0075] Example 1

[0076] Microorganism preparation

[0077] Staphylococcus capitis (ATCC27842) was revived on tryptic soy agar (TSA) by incubating overnight at 37°C. The microorganism was further cultured overnight at 37°C in 20 ml of the liquid growth medium tryptic soy broth (TSB) and prepared for use.

[0078] Propionibacterium acnes (ATCC_6919) was revived on a TSA plate by anaerobic incubation at 37°C for 5 days. The microorganism was further anaerobically cultured at 37°C in 20 ml of the liquid growth medium TSB for 4 days and prepared for use.

[0079] Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC_12228) was revived on tryptic soy agar (TSA) by incubating overnight at 37°C. The microorganism was further cultured overnight at 37°C in 20 ml of the liquid growth medium tryptic soy broth (TSB) and prepared for use.

[0080] Experimental method: Agar dilution MIC determination

[0081] Prepare growth medium agar plates (TSA) without alanine (control) and with different levels (weight percentage) of alanine: 0.0625%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%.

[0082] Adjust the optical density (OD) of each microbial culture. For Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis, OD = 0.6, and perform serial 10-fold dilutions to reach 0.6, 0.6×10 -1 、0.6×10 -2 、0.6×10 -3 、0.6×10 -4 、0.6×10 -5 。For Propionibacterium acnes, OD = 0.8, and then prepare serial 10-fold dilutions.

[0083] Transfer 4 μL of each microbial inoculum with different cell densities onto the corresponding plates and incubate to monitor microbial growth. Finally, visually observe the plates with growing colonies daily, up to 1 day for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitis, and 3 days for Propionibacterium acnes. Conduct the experimental groups in duplicate.

[0084] Compare the microbial growth under different conditions by colony density. "No reduction" means there is no change in the visually observed microbial colony density, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5 log reduction" means the growth of the microorganism is inhibited with the microbial colony density reduced by at least 90%, 99%, 99.9%, 99.99%, and 99.999% respectively, and "no growth" means almost no visible growth of the microbial colony is observed.

[0085] Results

[0086] Record the growth of the microorganisms and display it in Table - 1 below:

[0087] Table - 1

[0088]

[0089] As can be clearly seen from the above table, samples 1 to 3 containing alanine at levels consistent with the present invention can selectively inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms (Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes), while having no inhibitory effect on the growth of beneficial microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis).

[0090] Example 2

[0091] Test the antimicrobial efficacy of different amino acids against Staphylococcus capitatus. The growth of Staphylococcus capitatus was monitored by culturing the microorganism in TSB medium at 37 °C for 24 hours with or without 0.5% of different amino acids and monitoring the growth or inhibition of the microorganism using Alamar blue. To ensure that different amino acids do not affect the pH of the growth medium, the pH of the solutions was adjusted to the same level of pH 5.5.

[0092] Results

[0093] Record the growth of the microorganism and present it in Table-2 below:

[0094] Table 2

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] As can be clearly seen from the above table, sample 4 containing alanine at a level consistent with the present invention was able to inhibit the growth of the harmful microorganism (Staphylococcus capitatus), while samples containing other amino acids were not.

[0098] Example 3

[0099] This example demonstrates that a waterless lotion containing a certain level of alanine can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus capitatus. Prepare a composition according to the formulation detailed in Table-3. All ingredients are expressed as a weight percentage of the total preparation and represent the level of the active ingredient.

[0100] Table 3

[0101]

[0102] Experimental method: Use agar dilution MIC determination as in Example 1

[0103] Prepare TSA with the lotion. Mix 10 g of the lotion and 90 g of 1.1X TSA medium.

[0104] Adjust the optical density (OD) of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitatus to OD = 0.6, and then dilute 10, 10 2 、10 3 、10 4 、10 5 times. Transfer 4 μL of each microorganism inoculum to the corresponding plate and incubate to monitor the growth of the microorganism. For Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus capitatus, visually observe the plates with growing colonies up to 1 day daily, and conduct the experimental groups in duplicate.

[0105] Compare the microbial growth under different conditions by colony density. "No reduction" means that there is no change in the visually observed microbial colony density, and "1, 2, 3, 4, 5 log reduction" means that the growth of the microorganisms is inhibited with the microbial colony density reduced by at least 90%, 99%, 99.9%, 99.99% and 99.999% respectively.

[0106] Results

[0107] Record the growth of the microorganisms and show it in Table - 4 below:

[0108] Table - 4

[0109] Sample H 5 Staphylococcus capitis No reduction 4 log reduction Staphylococcus epidermidis No reduction No reduction

[0110] It can be clearly seen from the above table that the composition containing glycine at a level consistent with the present invention (Sample 5) can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms (Staphylococcus capitis), but has no inhibitory effect on the growth of beneficial microorganisms (Staphylococcus epidermidis).

Claims

1. Use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface; wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises alanine in an amount of 0.25% to 10%, preferably 0.5% to 5%, more preferably 1% to 2% by weight of the composition.

3. The use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface is the human skin and / or scalp surface.

4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the use is for inhibiting dandruff to promote scalp health.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the use is for inhibiting acne to promote skin health.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the use has no inhibitory effect on the growth of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition is a cosmetic composition, preferably a skin or hair care composition, more preferably a leave-on skin or hair care composition.

8. Use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine for the microbiome balance on a surface, wherein balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

9. The use according to claim 8, wherein the surface is the human skin, preferably the scalp.

10. The use according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the use is for inhibiting dandruff to promote scalp health.

11. The use according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the use is for inhibiting acne to promote skin health.

12. A method of applying alanine or a composition comprising alanine to a surface for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

13. A method of applying alanine or a composition comprising alanine to a surface for balancing the microbiome, wherein balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

14. Alanine or a composition comprising alanine for the microbiome balance on a surface, wherein balance means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, while having no reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

15. Alanine or a composition comprising alanine for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

Images