Screening CERT-Stimulating Agents for Skin Barrier Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cosmetic products fail to effectively reinforce the skin's barrier function against non-pathological impairments, leading to issues like dryness, UV damage, and skin aging, and there is a need for natural, plant-derived active agents that stimulate the ceramide transport protein CERT to improve skin integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method for screening active agents that stimulate the expression of the ceramide transport protein CERT in cultured human keratinocytes by treating samples with botanical extracts and quantifying the expression using RT-PCR or Western blotting, selecting agents that increase CERT expression by at least 1.7-fold or 120% compared to untreated samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cosmetic products containing hygroscopic agents and occlusive films are used, then water evaporation is impeded and skin hydration is improved, but the skin barrier function against non-pathological impairments is not effectively reinforced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin barrier functionVSAvoiddryness, UV damage, skin aging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces CERT (ceramide transfer protein) as an intermediary mechanism to enhance ceramide transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi apparatus. This mediator approach addresses the insufficient barrier function by boosting the natural ceramide transport system, thereby improving skin integrity and protection against environmental damage without relying solely on external occlusive films

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the biochemical parameter of ceramide transport efficiency by stimulating CERT expression and activity. By modifying the expression levels and functional activity of CERT through topical applications, the patent enhances the skin's endogenous barrier function, transforming the skin's natural protection capability rather than merely adding external protective layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If active agents stimulating CERT expression are used, then skin barrier function is enhanced and protection against environmental damage is improved, but the complexity of identifying and selecting effective agents increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin barrier functionVSAvoidscreening method complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex in vivo testing and subjective assessment methods with a standardized in vitro cell culture assay system. By using cultured keratinocytes and quantitative measurement of CERT expression (through mRNA or protein levels), the invention substitutes complicated screening procedures with a reproducible, objective cellular model that simplifies the identification of effective CERT-stimulating agents

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9228999B2Method for screening active agents that stimulate the expression of CERT to improve the skin's barrier function

Publication Date: 2016.01.05 CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE SAS

AI summary

A method for screening an active agent intended for preventing or combating the cutaneous signs resulting from a non-pathological impairment of barrier function, which includes the selection of active agents that stimulate the expression of the ceramide transport protein CERT in cultured human keratinocytes.