Background and Purpose
The skin is a complex organ that functions as a physical barrier, protecting against water loss and external environmental factors such as sunlight, chemicals, and microbes. Additionally, the skin plays crucial roles in temperature regulation, sensory perception, immune defense, and metabolic processes. Factors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation and pollution contribute to skin aging. Cosmetic products often contain ingredients aimed at enhancing appearance and promoting skin health. "Cosmeceuticals" refer to compounds that combine cosmetic and therapeutic properties. The cyanobacterium Cyanothece sp. has potential as a valuable source of these compounds, making it suitable for cosmetic applications. This study aims to explore the medicinal properties of Cyanothece sp. on human fibroblast cells.
Research Methodology
Abiotic cultures of Cyanothece sp. were prepared as dry powder, and intracellular polysaccharide compounds were extracted. Extracts were prepared at varying concentrations (0.3% to 20%) using appropriate solvents for different experiments. Initially, an MTT assay was performed to assess cell viability and determine the optimal concentration for further testing. Subsequently, the UV absorption capacity, anti-UV effects, antibacterial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum lethal concentration, and disc diffusion method), antioxidant properties (DPPH assay), cell migration (Scratch Assay), and changes in gene expression related to aging and inflammation were investigated.
Results
The optimal concentration of Cyanothece sp. polysaccharide extract for fibroblast growth, as determined by the MTT assay, was 0.625% w/w at both 24 and 48 hours. At this concentration, significant UV absorbance was observed (data pending). No antibacterial activity was detected in the polysaccharide extract of Cyanothece sp. However, antioxidant activity, as measured by the DPPH assay, was deemed acceptable at 0.625%, meeting the standard criteria.