Method for inhibiting microbial growth

Abstract

The present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine in 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. The present invention also relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine in equilibrating the microflora on a surface, wherein equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of probiotic microorganisms, which are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for balancing the microbiota 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 to inhibit 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 balancing the microbiota on a surface. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The scalp microbiota has recently attracted attention for its potential causative role in the progression of dandruff. Major fungal and bacterial species present on the scalp are Malassezia restricta, Malassezia globosa, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus capitis. Staphylococcus is the most abundant bacterial genus on both healthy and dandruff-affected scalps. However, at the species level, Staphylococcus capitis has been reported to be positively associated with dandruff, while Staphylococcus epidermidis appears to be a commensal bacterium positively associated with dandruff-free scalp conditions, either in terms of relative or absolute abundance.

[0004] Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is a gram-positive bacterium that colonizes human skin and scalp. This lipophilic anaerobic bacterium resides primarily in the sebaceous pilosebaceous unit. Overgrowth of C. acnes is associated with the development of acne. Controlling the overgrowth of C. acnes offers an approach toward reducing acne.

[0005] Antimicrobial compositions are commonly used by individuals to eliminate or reduce the numbers of harmful microorganisms, however, application of broad-spectrum antimicrobial compositions, such as zinc pyrithione, can also kill or inhibit beneficial microorganisms. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a continuing need for treatments that can bring about equilibration of the microbiota by selectively decreasing the number of harmful microorganisms while selectively increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms, or by having minimal impact on the number of beneficial microorganisms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The inventors have surprisingly found that alanine, or a composition comprising alanine at a particular concentration, when applied to a surface, is capable of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, without having an inhibitory effect on the growth of the commensal microorganism, which is Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, in 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.

[0009] In a second aspect, the present invention is directed to the use of alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, in the equilibration of the microbiota on a surface, wherein the equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms which are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0010] In a third aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of applying alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, to a surface to inhibit 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.

[0011] In a fourth aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of applying alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, to a surface for equilibration of the microbiota, wherein equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, the present invention is directed to alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, for use in inhibiting the growth of a microorganism selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, the present invention is directed to alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, for use in equilibrating the microbiota on a surface, wherein the equilibration selectively reduces the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0014] All other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent in light of the following detailed description and examples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] For the avoidance of doubt, any feature of one aspect of the present invention can be utilized in any other aspect of the present invention. The term "comprising" is intended to mean "including," but not necessarily "consisting of" or "composed of." 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 clarify the invention and are not intended to limit the invention to those examples themselves. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are weight / weight percentages. Except in the operating examples and comparative examples, or unless otherwise expressly stated, all numbers in the specification and claims expressing amounts of materials or reaction conditions, physical properties of materials and / or uses are to be understood as modified by the word "about." Numerical ranges expressed in the format "from x to y" are understood to include x and y. When multiple preferred ranges for a particular feature are described in the format "from x to y," it is understood that all ranges combining the various endpoints are also contemplated. As used herein, the indefinite article "a" or "an" and its corresponding definite article "the" mean at least one, or one or more, unless expressly stated otherwise. Various features of the invention mentioned in individual sections above apply mutatis mutandis to other sections as appropriate. Thus, features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections as appropriate. Any section headings are for convenience only and are not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.

[0016] As used herein, the term "cosmetic composition" is intended to include compositions for topical application to the skin, hair, and / or scalp of mammals, particularly humans. Such compositions are generally applied to the desired topical surface of the body for a period of from a few seconds to 24 hours. When the application time is short, for example, from a few seconds to a few minutes, and the composition is then rinsed off with water or wiped off, such compositions are known as cleansing or wash-off compositions. On the other hand, when the composition is applied for a longer period, for example, from a few minutes to 24 hours, and is usually washed off during typical personal cleansing procedures, such compositions are known as leave-on compositions. Compositions according to the present invention include any product applied to the human body for appearance improvement, cleansing, odor control, or general aesthetics.

[0017] As used herein, the term "hair care composition" is intended to include compositions for topical application to mammalian, particularly human, hair or scalp. Topical refers to the application of the composition to the external surface of the body. In the present invention, this is accomplished by applying the composition to the hair or scalp. Such compositions may generally be classified as leave-on or rinse-off, but include any product applied to improve the appearance of the scalp and hair, cleansing, odor control, or general aesthetics. The hair care compositions of the present invention may be in the form of a liquid, lotion, cream, foam, scrub, gel, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, or bar. The hair care compositions of the present invention are preferably leave-on compositions. Alternatively, the hair care compositions of the present invention are wash-off compositions. Compositions intended to achieve the desired benefit through ingestion by the human body are excluded from the scope of the present invention.

[0018] microorganisms Microorganisms can be described as tiny organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, or mites. The microbiome on a surface is the collective term for all microorganisms on a surface. In other words, the microbiome is a community of microorganisms.

[0019] As used herein, the term "balancing the microbiota" means selectively eliminating / killing / reducing microorganisms present on a surface that are considered harmful, while maintaining substantially the same level of microorganisms that are considered beneficial, or even increasing the number of microorganisms that are considered beneficial.

[0020] At least one of the harmful microorganisms is Staphylococcus capitis, a species of Staphylococcus that causes a significant increase in dandruff compared to healthy scalp.

[0021] At least one of the harmful microorganisms is Propionibacterium acnes (C. acnes), a gram-positive bacterium that colonizes human skin and scalp. This lipophilic anaerobic bacterium resides primarily in the sebaceous pilosebaceous unit. Overgrowth of C. acnes is associated with the development of acne. Controlling the overgrowth of C. acnes provides an approach toward reducing acne.

[0022] A potentially beneficial microorganism is Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis). S. epidermidis has been reported to be a beneficial bacterium involved in maintaining skin health. S. epidermidis is a type of normal microorganism that is likely involved in the competitive exclusion of pathogens. Therefore, S. epidermidis is an indicator of the state of the surface microbiota. The growth and maintenance of S. epidermidis is an important pathway for maintaining a healthy microbiota composition.

[0023] The present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition containing alanine in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface. However, such use does not have an inhibitory effect on the growth of the probiotic microorganism Staphylococcus epidermidis. The surface herein is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The surface is preferably human skin, such as a surface of the hand, face, body, or scalp. More preferably, the surface is the scalp.

[0024] Equilibration of the microbiota is achieved by selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms, namely Staphylococcus epidermidis.

[0025] The present invention relates to the use of alanine or a composition comprising alanine in balancing the microbiota on a surface, wherein the surface is preferably the outer surface of the human body. The surface is preferably human skin, such as a surface of the hand, face, body, or scalp. More preferably, the surface is the scalp.

[0026] Preferably, such use is for controlling dandruff and promoting scalp health, or alternatively, preferably, such use is for controlling acne and promoting skin health.

[0027] Alanine Alanine is an abundant, simple, non-essential amino acid. Alanine can be selected from L-alanine, D-alanine, and D,L-alanine.

[0028] Amino acids are generally considered to be a nutrient source for both microorganisms and humans. Surprisingly, it has been found that alanine, or a composition containing alanine at a specific concentration, can inhibit the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface. However, such use does not have an inhibitory effect on the growth of the probiotic microorganism, Staphylococcus epidermidis. Therefore, such use can selectively reduce the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without reducing the number of probiotic microorganisms, Staphylococcus epidermidis, thereby resulting in equilibration of the microflora.

[0029] The compositions of the present invention comprise at least 0.25% alanine, preferably at least 0.5% alanine, more preferably at least 1% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0030] It is preferred that the composition comprises 0.25 to 10% by weight of alanine, preferably 0.5 to 5% by weight of alanine, more preferably 1 to 5% by weight, and even more preferably 1 to 2% by weight (including all ranges subsumed within these ranges) of the total composition.

[0031] In compositions intended to be diluted before application, the preferred minimum concentration of alanine may be higher. It is generally preferred that the concentration of alanine in the composition used according to the present invention be equal to or greater than the optimal concentration in the working composition. This is because, in many typical applications, the composition is used pure or 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% by weight dilution of the original composition. Similarly, in hair and body washing situations, liquid or bar soaps are typically diluted with water to about 8% to 10% by weight, which corresponds to about a 10-fold dilution of the product. Therefore, when the composition is diluted or dissolved in an appropriate solvent before or during use, the concentration of alanine in the diluted or dissolved mixture is preferably such that the concentration is still sufficient to provide the benefits of microflora equilibration on surfaces.

[0032] composition The composition is preferably a cosmetic composition. The cosmetic composition is a composition for treating, cleaning, caring for, or conditioning a person. The foregoing includes, but is not limited to, chemicals, compositions, products, or combinations thereof related to, or having uses or applications for, treating, cleansing, or conditioning a person (including, in particular, the skin, hair, scalp, and oral cavity), and 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, bar soaps, antiperspirants, deodorants, shaving creams, depilatories, lipsticks, foundations, mascaras, sunless tanners, or sunscreen lotions. Preferably, the composition is a leave-on cosmetic composition.

[0033] The composition is preferably a skin care or hair care composition, more preferably a leave-on skin care or hair care composition.

[0034] Preferred cosmetic compositions for use in the present invention include rinse-off or leave-on skin care or hair care compositions, such as skin lotions and creams, shower gels, bar soaps, shampoos, conditioners, creams, lotions, gels, serums, mousses, or oils. Leave-on hair care and / or scalp care compositions, such as lotions, serums, and oils, intended for topical application to the hair and / or scalp are preferred.

[0035] The compositions used in the present invention generally include 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 raise safety or toxicity concerns.

[0036] The carrier may comprise an aqueous phase, an oil phase, an alcohol phase, a silicone phase, or a mixture thereof, and may be in the form of an emulsion. The emulsion may have a variety of consistencies, including a thin lotion (which may also be suitable for spray or aerosol delivery), a creamy lotion, a light cream, and a thick cream.

[0037] The compositions used in the present invention can 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, paraffins and isoparaffins containing at least 10 carbon atoms, aliphatic or aromatic ester oils (e.g., isopropyl myristate, lauryl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, diisopropyl sebacate, diisopropyl adipate, and C12-C15 alkyl benzoates), polyglycol ethers (e.g., polyglycol butanol ethers), and mixtures thereof. Suitable hydrophilic liquid carriers include water, monohydric or polyhydric aliphatic alcohols containing 2 to 8, preferably 2 or 3, carbon atoms (e.g., ethanol and isopropanol), oligoglycol ethers having 2 to 5 repeating units (e.g., dipropylene glycol), and mixtures thereof. A particularly preferred carrier is water.

[0038] The liquid forms of the compositions used in the present invention may be thickened, for example, using one or more water-soluble or colloidally water-soluble polymeric thickeners.

[0039] The compositions used in the present invention preferably contain a thickener.

[0040] Suitable water-soluble or colloidal water-soluble polymeric 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 copolymers, carboxyvinyl polymers, crosslinked polyacrylate polymers, and polyacrylamide polymers.

[0041] The composition used in the present invention may further comprise a conditioning agent to provide conditioning benefits.Preferably, the composition comprises discrete dispersed droplets of a water-insoluble conditioning agent with an average droplet size (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 size (D3,2) of the water-insoluble conditioning agent can be measured by laser light scattering technology, for example, using a 2600D Particle Sizer manufactured by Malvern Instruments.

[0042] The water-insoluble conditioning agent may include a non-silicone conditioning agent comprising a non-silicone oily or fatty material, such as hydrocarbon oils, fatty esters, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the water-insoluble conditioning agent is an emulsified silicone oil.

[0043] Suitable silicones include polydiorganosiloxanes, especially polydimethylsiloxanes, which are designated as dimethicones in CTFA designation.Also, the polydimethylsiloxanes with hydroxyl end groups, which are designated as dimethiconol in CTFA designation, are suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention (especially shampoos and conditioners).For example, as described in WO 96 / 31188, the silicone gums with very low cross-linking degree are also suitable for use in the compositions of the present invention.Preferably, silicone oils comprise dimethicones, dimethiconols, or their mixtures.

[0044] Suitable emulsified silicones for use in the compositions of the present invention are available as preformed silicone emulsions from silicone suppliers, such as Dow Corning and GE Silicones. The use of such preformed silicone emulsions is preferred due to ease of processing and ease of control of silicone particle size. Such preformed silicone emulsions typically further contain a suitable emulsifier 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, and DC7128, all available from Dow Corning. These are dimethiconol / dimethicone emulsions.

[0045] Another type of silicone that can be used is functionalized silicone, for example aminofunctional silicone, which means the silicone that contains at least one primary, secondary or tertiary amine group, or quaternary ammonium group.Example of suitable aminofunctional silicone includes the polysiloxane that has CTFA name "amodimethicone".

[0046] The water-insoluble conditioning agent is generally present in the compositions used 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%, and most preferably from 1 to 5%, by weight of the total composition.

[0047] The pH of the composition used in the present invention is preferably 4.0 or higher, more preferably in the range of 5.0 to 10.0.

[0048] The oils and lotions used in the present invention typically have an oil phase comprising one or more cosmetically acceptable fatty materials, which may be liquid or solid at room temperature (25° C.).Lotions are typically aqueous emulsions having an aqueous phase in addition to the oil phase.

[0049] Suitable cosmetically acceptable fatty materials include naturally occurring oils (e.g., sunflower oil, borage oil, soybean oil, castor oil, olive oil, and almond oil); esters of monoalcohols or polyols with monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acids, where at least one of the alcohols and / or acids contains at least one hydrocarbon chain containing at least 6 carbon atoms (e.g., octyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl isostearate, , hexyl laurate, isohexyl laurate, isohexyl palmitate, decyl oleate, isodecyl oleate, hexadecyl stearate, decyl stearate, dihexyldecyl adipate, lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate, oleyl myristate, lauryl acetate, cetyl propionate, isononyl isononanoate, propylene glycol dicaprate, diisopropyl adipate, dibutyl adipate, and oleyl adipate; ethers (e.g., methylparaben, methylparaben); dicapryl ether); fatty alcohols (e.g., cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol); isoparaffins (e.g., isooctane, isododecane, and isohexadecane); silicone oils (e.g., cyclomethicone, dimethicone, and dimethiconol); hydrocarbon oils (e.g., mineral oil, petrolatum, and polyisobutene); fatty acids containing 8 to 30 carbon atoms (e.g., stearic acid, lauric acid, palmitic acid, and oleic acid); vegetable fats (e.g., cocoa butter, yam, etc.) oil, palm oil, and shea butter); petroleum-based, natural, and synthetic waxes (e.g., lanolin wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, candelilla wax, paraffin wax, lignite wax, microcrystalline wax, ceresin, ozokerite, and polyethylene wax); hydrogenated oils that are solid at 25°C (e.g., hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated jojoba oil, hydrogenated palm oil, hydrogenated tallow, and hydrogenated coconut oil); and fatty esters that are solid at 25°C (e.g., C20-40 alkyl stearate).

[0050] The aqueous phase of the lotion used in the present invention may also contain one or more organic liquids that are miscible with water at room temperature (25° C.). Exemplary water-miscible organic liquids include monohydric and polyhydric alcohols and their derivatives, such as C2-C6 alkanols (e.g., ethanol and isopropanol); C2-C10 glycols and polyols (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, pentylene glycol, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, dipropylene glycol, and diethylene glycol); C3-C16 glycol ethers (e.g., 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.

[0051] The lotion used in the present invention may also contain surface active ingredients, such as emulsifiers and solubilizers, to enable two or more immiscible ingredients to be combined uniformly and to aid in stabilizing 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, polyglycerol esters of oleic acid / isostearic acid, polyglyceryl-6 hexalicinoleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate / PEG-8-PG cocoate, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate ... polyglyceryl-4 oleate / PEG-8-PG cocoate, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, PEG-30 dipolyhydroxystearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate / PEG-8-PG cocoate, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, sorbitan sesquioleate, polyglyceryl-4 oleate / PEG-8-PG cocoate, polyglyceryl-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, Water, sorbitan stearate, sorbitan isos ...

[0052] Combinations of any of the above materials or product forms may also be used.

[0053] The compositions used in the present invention (described above) may contain additional active substances to improve the physical and / or aesthetic properties of the scalp and / or hair. Examples include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and / or antioxidants, emollients, moisturizers, sunscreens, anti-irritants, exfoliants, plant extracts (e.g., pomegranate extract, birch extract, green tea extract, chamomile extract, and licorice extract), and mixtures thereof.

[0054] The composition (above) used in the present invention can contain additional functional ingredients to improve the physical and / or aesthetic properties of the composition itself.Examples include inorganic pigments (for example, titanium dioxide, zirconium oxide, cerium oxide, zinc oxide, iron oxide, chromium oxide, manganese violet, ultramarine blue, chromium hydrate, and ferric blue); organic pigments (for example, carbon black, and organic lakes of barium, strontium, calcium, or aluminum); pearlescent agents (for example, mica coated with titanium dioxide and / or iron oxide); dyes, preservatives (for example, disodium EDTA, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and isobutylparaben); pH adjusters and fragrances (for example, essential oils, flower oils, and resins, gums, balsams, beans, mosses, and other plant natural extracts, and synthetic fragrance materials).

[0055] Mixtures of any of the above materials may also be used.

[0056] The compositions used in the present invention may also contain preservatives to protect against the growth of potentially harmful microorganisms. Suitable conventional preservatives include alkyl esters of parahydroxybenzoic acid, hydantoin derivatives, propionate salts, and various quaternary ammonium compounds. Illustrative, but non-limiting, examples of preservatives that may be used in the present invention include, for example, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate, methylparaben, butylparaben, propylparaben, diazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, benzyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, iodopropynyl butylcarbamate, caprylyl glycol, disodium EDTA, or mixtures thereof. In particularly preferred embodiments, the preservative is sodium benzoate, phenoxyethanol, sodium salicylate, or mixtures thereof. Preservatives are preferably used in amounts ranging from 0.01 to 2% by weight of the composition.

[0057] It is further preferred that the composition used in the present invention contains a cosmetic ingredient. Preferably, the cosmetic ingredient is selected from the group consisting of silicones, antibacterial agents other than antidandruff agents, foaming agents, fragrances, encapsulating agents (e.g., encapsulated fragrances), dyes, colorants, pigments, preservatives, thickeners, proteins, phosphate esters, buffers, pH adjusters, pearlescent agents (e.g., mica, titanium dioxide, titanium dioxide-coated mica, ethylene glycol distearate (INCI name: glycol distearate)), and / or opacifiers, viscosity adjusters, emollients, sunscreens, emulsifiers, sensory actives (e.g., menthol and menthol derivatives), vitamins, mineral oils, essential oils, lipids, natural actives, glycerin, natural hair nutrients such as plant extracts, fruit extracts, sugar derivatives, and amino acids, microcrystalline cellulose, and mixtures thereof.

[0058] Preferably, the composition used in the present invention comprises at least one cosmetic ingredient in an amount of 0.01 to 20% by weight of the total composition, more preferably 0.05 to 10% by weight, even more preferably 0.075 to 7.5% by weight, and most preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight of at least one cosmetic ingredient.

[0059] method The present invention provides a use of alanine or a composition containing alanine in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes when applied to a surface, the composition comprising at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition. The surface, preferably the external surface of the human body, is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0060] Preferably, the present invention provides the use of a composition in 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, and the composition provides a greater inhibitory benefit compared to a composition that does not comprise at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0061] The present invention provides a use of alanine or a composition containing alanine in the equilibration of the microflora on a surface, wherein the equilibration selectively reduces the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without reducing the number of probiotic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition. The surface herein is preferably an external surface of the human body. This use is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0062] Preferably, the present invention provides the use of a composition in the equilibration of the microbiota on a surface, wherein the equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition, and wherein the composition provides a greater benefit in equilibrating the microbiota compared to a composition that does not comprise at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

[0063] The present invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes by applying alanine or a composition containing alanine to a surface, wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition. The surface, preferably an external surface of the human body, is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0064] The present invention provides a method for applying alanine or a composition containing alanine to a surface for the equilibration of the microbiota, where the equilibration selectively reduces the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without reducing the number of probiotic microorganisms, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition. The surface herein is preferably an external surface of the human body. The method is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0065] The present invention provides a method for applying alanine or a composition containing alanine to a surface to ensure the growth of a probiotic microorganism, Staphylococcus epidermidis, while protecting the surface from harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes, wherein the composition contains at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition. The surface herein is preferably an external surface of the human body. The method is preferably non-therapeutic in nature, and more preferably cosmetic in nature.

[0066] The present invention provides alanine or a composition comprising alanine for use in 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.

[0067] The present invention provides alanine or a composition comprising alanine for use in equilibrating the microbiota on a surface, wherein the equilibration selectively reduces the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without reducing the number of commensal microorganisms, which are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition, preferably an external surface of the human body.

[0068] The composition is suitably applied to the hair and / or scalp and rubbed into the scalp surface. Generally, an amount equivalent to about 1 to 15 ml of composition per application is applied evenly to the treatment area daily or at least once a week for a time interval of at least 7 days, preferably at least 28 days, and more preferably at least 30 days.

[0069] The present invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.

[0070] [Example] [Example 1] Preparation of microorganisms S. capitis (ATCC27842) was activated on tryptic soy agar (TSA) by overnight incubation at 37° C. The organism was further cultured overnight at 37° C. in 20 ml of liquid growth medium, tryptic soy broth (TSB), and was immediately ready for use.

[0071] Propionibacterium acnes (ATCC_6919) was activated on TSA plates by incubating anaerobically for 5 days at 37° C. The organism was further cultivated anaerobically in 20 ml of liquid growth medium TSB for 4 days at 37° C. and was immediately ready for use.

[0072] Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC_12228) was activated on tryptic soy agar (TSA) by overnight incubation at 37° C. The organism was further cultured overnight at 37° C. in 20 ml of liquid growth medium, tryptic soy broth (TSB), and was immediately ready for use.

[0073] Experimental method: Agar dilution MIC assay Prepare growth medium agar plates (TSA) without alanine (control) and with various concentrations (weight percentage) of alanine: 0.0625%, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%.

[0074] The optical density (OD) of each microbial culture was adjusted. For S. epidermidis and S. capitis, OD = 0.6, and serial 10-fold dilutions were performed to 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, the OD was 0.8, and then serial 10-fold dilutions were prepared.

[0075] Four microliters of each microbial inoculum with different cell densities was transferred to the corresponding plate and incubated to monitor microbial growth. Finally, plates with growing colonies were visually inspected daily for up to 1 day for S. epidermidis and S. capitis, and up to 3 days for P. acnes. Each series of experiments was performed twice.

[0076] Microbial growth under different conditions was compared by colony density: "No reduction" means no visible change in microbial colony density, "1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 log reduction" means that microbial growth is inhibited and the microbial colony density is reduced by at least 90%, 99%, 99.9%, 99.99%, and 99.999%, respectively, and "No growth" means that almost no visible growth of microbial colonies is observed.

[0077] result Microbial growth was recorded and is shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0078] As is clear from the table above, samples 1 to 3 containing alanine at concentrations consistent with the present invention were able to selectively inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms (S. capitis and P. acnes) without exerting an inhibitory effect on the growth of beneficial microorganisms (S. epidermidis).

[0079] Example 2 The antibacterial efficacy of various amino acids was tested against S. capitis. Growth of S. capitis was monitored by culturing the organism in TSB medium with or without 0.5% of the various amino acids at 37°C for 24 hours and using Alamar Blue to monitor microbial growth or inhibition. To ensure that the various amino acids did not affect the pH of the growth medium, the pH of the solutions was all adjusted to the same level, pH 5.5.

[0080] result Microbial growth was recorded and is shown in Table 2 below. [Table 2]

[0081] As can be seen from the table above, sample 4, which contains alanine at a concentration consistent with the present invention, was able to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms (S. capitis), while samples containing other amino acids were unable to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms.

[0082] Example 3 This example demonstrates that a leave-on lotion containing alanine at specific concentrations can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus capitis. A composition is prepared according to the formulation detailed in Table 3. All ingredients are expressed as active ingredient concentrations by weight percent of the total formulation. [Table 3]

[0083] Experimental method: Agar dilution MIC assay similar to that used in Example 1 was used. To prepare TSA, add lotion: Mix 10 g of lotion with 90 g of 1.1x TSA medium.

[0084] The optical density (OD) of S. epidermidis and S. capitis was adjusted to OD = 0.6, and then 10, 10 2 , 10 3 , 10 4 , 105 The samples were diluted 2-fold. 4 μL of each microbial inoculum was transferred to the corresponding plate and incubated to monitor microbial growth. Plates with growing colonies were visually inspected daily for S. epidermidis and S. capitis up to 1 day. Each series of experiments was performed twice.

[0085] Microbial growth under different conditions was compared by colony density, with "no reduction" meaning no visible change in microbial colony density, and "1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 log reductions" meaning that microbial growth was inhibited and microbial colony density was reduced by at least 90%, 99%, 99.9%, 99.99%, and 99.999%, respectively.

[0086] result Microbial growth was recorded and is shown in Table 4 below. [Table 4]

[0087] As can be seen from the above table, a composition containing alanine at a concentration consistent with the present invention (Sample 5) is able to inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms (S. capitis) without having an inhibitory effect on the growth of beneficial microorganisms (S. epidermidis).

Claims

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

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

4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for controlling dandruff and promoting scalp health.

5. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for inhibiting acne and promoting skin health.

6. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which has no inhibitory effect on the growth of the probiotic microorganism Staphylococcus epidermidis.

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

8. Use of alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, in the equilibration of the microbial flora on a surface, wherein the equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

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

10. 10. The use according to claim 8 or 9 for controlling dandruff and promoting scalp health.

11. 10. The use according to claim 8 or 9 for inhibiting acne and promoting skin health.

12. 1. A method of applying alanine, or a composition comprising alanine, to a surface to inhibit 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. 1. A method for applying alanine or a composition comprising alanine to a surface for the equilibration of the microflora, wherein equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms, which are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

14. 1. Alanine or a composition comprising alanine for use in equilibrating the microflora on a surface, wherein equilibration means selectively reducing the number of harmful microorganisms selected from Staphylococcus capitis and Propionibacterium acnes without having a reducing effect on the number of commensal microorganisms that are Staphylococcus epidermidis, and wherein the composition comprises at least 0.25% alanine by weight of the composition.

15. 1. Alanine or a composition comprising alanine for use in 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.

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