Lutein-Polysaccharide Cosmetic Composition to Reduce Retinoid Irritation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Topical retinoid therapy is often associated with irritant contact dermatitis, characterized by erythema, scaling, dryness, burning, and pruritus, due to the activation of retinoic acid receptors, particularly RARγ, leading to discomfort and treatment discontinuation in many patients.
Innovation Solution
A combination of lutein and polysaccharides, specifically formulated to include apocarotenoids and limited chlorophyll content, which acts as a RAR-beta agonist, providing similar cosmetic benefits to retinol without the irritating effects, prepared through a process involving solvent extraction, saponification, and oxidative treatment for apocarotenoids, and cell wall disruption for polysaccharides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If topical retinoid therapy is used to treat skin ailments and achieve cosmetic effects, then skin health and appearance are improved, but irritant contact dermatitis occurs causing erythema, scaling, dryness, burning, and pruritus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates lutein from algal biomass through solvent extraction and saponification processes, separating the beneficial carotenoid component from the source material. This extraction allows obtaining pure lutein that can provide retinol-like cosmetic effects without the irritating properties of synthetic retinoids
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies oxidative treatment to convert carotenoids into apocarotenoids, changing the chemical structure and properties of the extracted compounds. This parameter change (oxidation) transforms lutein into forms that activate RAR-beta receptors for cosmetic benefits while avoiding the irritation associated with traditional retinoids
2Reliability
If retinoic acid receptors (particularly RARγ) are activated to produce cosmetic effects, then skin health is improved, but irritant contact dermatitis is triggered causing discomfort and treatment discontinuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses lutein and its oxidation products (apocarotenoids) as intermediary substances that can activate retinoic acid receptors (specifically RAR-beta) to produce cosmetic effects. These natural carotenoid derivatives serve as mediators between the desired therapeutic effect and the avoidance of harmful irritation, replacing direct retinoid application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifically targets RAR-beta receptor activation through lutein derivatives, creating a localized effect on this particular receptor subtype. By selectively engaging RAR-beta rather than broadly activating all retinoic acid receptors (including RARγ associated with irritation), the treatment achieves cosmetic benefits with minimal adverse effects
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 lutein-polysaccharide combination effectively mimics retinol's effects on the skin while reducing irritation, improving skin health and appearance without causing erythema, scaling, or pruritus, as demonstrated by clinical studies.
Implementation Method 1
lutein is a RAR agonist which acts specifically via the RAR-beta receptors
Implementation Method 2
Extracting the first algal biomass with an organic solvent
Implementation Method 3
Applying saponification conditions to the extract obtained in step (i)
Implementation Method 4
Treating the fraction obtained in step (iii) under oxidative conditions in order to convert part of the carotenoids found in the fraction to apocarotenoids
Implementation Method 5
disrupting the cell wall of the second algal biomass
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to algal-derived compositions comprising lutein and polysaccharides. The invention also relates to the use of the compositions as foodstuff, cosmeceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, nutritional supplement or pharmaceutical composition.