Fermented Bitter Orange Extract for Skin Antioxidant Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for novel antioxidant molecules of plant origin that can effectively combat skin ageing and oxidative stress, as existing solutions are limited by the use of synthetic ingredients and regulatory constraints, and natural alternatives are sought to address the impairment of the skin's barrier function and oxidative stress caused by free radicals.

Innovation Solution

A fermented extract of aerial parts of bitter orange (Citrus aurantium) is obtained through a process involving fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, which activates the NRF2 pathway to reduce free radicals and oxidative stress, thereby serving as an antioxidant active agent to prevent skin ageing and detoxify the skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If synthetic antioxidants are used to combat skin ageing and oxidative stress, then antioxidant effectiveness is improved, but regulatory constraints and consumer acceptance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantioxidant effectivenessVSAvoidconsumer acceptance and regulatory compliance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the chemical composition parameters by using fermented extract containing specific compounds (erosive acid, synephrine, stachydrine, flavonoids) with optimized concentrations resulting from the fermentation process, thereby achieving effective antioxidant activity while meeting natural ingredient requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fermentation process acts as an intermediary that converts plant extract into a form with enhanced antioxidant properties, creating a bridge between natural ingredients and effective antioxidant action through the production of specific bioactive compounds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional extraction methods are used to obtain plant antioxidants, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but antioxidant capacity and effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextraction process simplicityVSAvoidantioxidant capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fermentation step is introduced as a preliminary action before final extraction, preparing the plant material to release and concentrate antioxidant compounds more effectively, thereby enhancing the subsequent extraction efficiency and final product capacity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The fermentation process changes the chemical parameters of the plant extract by producing and concentrating specific antioxidant compounds (erosive acid, synephrine, stachydrine, flavonoids), thereby transforming the extract into a more potent antioxidant source

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If skin is exposed to environmental factors (UV rays, pollution, climatic variations), then natural oxidative stress occurs, but free radical production and skin ageing accelerate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental exposureVSAvoidfree radical production and oxidative stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fermented extract applies preliminary anti-oxidant action by activating the NRF2 pathway before significant oxidative damage occurs, preventing the accumulation of free radicals and their harmful effects on skin proteins, lipids, and DNA

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful oxidative stress response into a beneficial protective mechanism by activating the NRF2 pathway, which then triggers the production of endogenous antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and protect against environmental damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The fermented extract significantly reduces oxidative stress in skin cells by activating the NRF2 pathway, thereby combating signs of skin ageing such as wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and impaired skin barrier function, providing a natural and effective antioxidant solution.

Implementation Method 1

such an extract is a fermented extract, i.e., obtained by an extraction process involving a fermentation step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFermentation: Fermentation

Data Source

PatentUS11331264B2Fermented extract of aerial parts of bitter orange
Publication Date: 2022.05.17 CHANEL PARFUMS BEAUTE SAS
  • US11331264B2 patent drawing
  • US11331264B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A fermented extract of aerial parts of Citrus aurantium and the process for obtaining it. The fermented extract may be added to a cosmetic composition. Also, the use of a fermented extract of Citrus aurantium to combat skin ageing, and also as an antioxidant active agent, to prevent/reduce oxidative stress and/or to detoxify the skin.