Monoglycerides for Selective Senescent Cell Elimination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Skin aging is a complex process characterized by dryness, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, loss of elasticity, and sagging, accelerated by extrinsic factors, with cellular senescence playing a significant role, necessitating interventions that target senescent skin cells for effective treatment.

Innovation Solution

The use of monoglycerides, specifically those with a linear or branched hydrocarbon chain of 12 to 22 carbon atoms and a glyceryl residue, which are applied topically to selectively eliminate senescent skin cells, thereby addressing signs of skin aging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cosmetic treatments are used for skin aging, then general skin hydration and moisturization are improved, but selective elimination of senescent cells is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffectiveness of skin aging treatmentVSAvoidselective elimination of senescent cells
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameter by using monoglycerides with specific hydrocarbon chain lengths (12-22 carbon atoms) instead of conventional cosmetic ingredients. This specific molecular structure enables the compound to selectively target and eliminate senescent cells while maintaining safety for topical application, thus resolving the contradiction between general skin care and selective senescent cell elimination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If topical compositions are applied to treat skin aging signs, then skin texture and appearance are improved, but cellular level intervention is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveskin texture and appearanceVSAvoidcellular level targeting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The monoglyceride compound exhibits local quality by selectively interacting with senescent cells rather than all skin cells uniformly. The specific molecular structure (formula I with 12-22 carbon hydrocarbon chain) enables preferential accumulation and action in senescent cells, allowing topical application to achieve cellular-level intervention while improving overall skin texture and appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If aggressive treatments are used to eliminate senescent cells, then cellular renewal is improved, but skin safety and tolerability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesenescent cell elimination rateVSAvoidskin safety and tolerability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The monoglyceride compound acts as a temporary, non-toxic agent that selectively eliminates senescent cells without causing long-term harm. The compound's specific structure (formula I) allows it to perform its senolytic function and then be safely metabolized and eliminated from the body, achieving effective cell elimination while maintaining skin safety and tolerability for topical use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4308247B1Use of monoglycerides for treating signs of skin aging
Publication Date: 2024.11.27 UNILEVER IP HLDG BV

AI summary

The invention provides the cosmetic use, as an active ingredient for treating signs of skin aging. of one or more monoglycerides of general formula (I): RC(O)-X (I) in which R is a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated, hydrocarbon chain which contains from 12 to 22 carbon atoms and which is optionally substituted with one or more hydroxyl substituents; and X is a glyceryl residue.The invention also provides one or more monoglycerides of general formula (I) as defined above as an active ingredient for use in the selective elimination of senescent skin cells.