Periodic Report Summary - SKIN TREAT (Novel approaches for the development of customized skin treatments and services (test case: dead sea minerals and conventional drugs))
SKINTREAT aims to improve treatment efficacy of skin syndromes by developing novel customized topical nano-preparations. Feasibility study will be performed for dermatitis, psoriasis and UV damaged skin using Dead Sea minerals and conventional drugs.
Development of protocols for personalised biomarker maps:
Known skin biomarkers: Biochemical and genetic biomarkers literature surveys related to psoriasis, photo-damage and dermatitis.
New skin biomarkers:
1. Biochemical and genetic analyses, of skin samples harvested from psoriasis, photo-damage and dermatitis patients versus healthy subjects, revealed differences in biochemical and spectral characteristics between skin sites per patient as well as between patients and healthy individuals. A correlation between irradiation and spectral profiles, obtained by non-invasive measurements, was noted. Genomic analyses of patients' samples are in process.
2. Psoriatic skin equivalents models were developed from human skin samples.
3. Several biochemical markers were determined by photo-damage in vitro model.
4. Non- and minimally invasive protocols were developed and used for in vivo study in psoriatic and photo-damaged patients.
5. UVB-induced photo-damage was analyzed ex vivo.
Novel nano systems for personalised topical skin therapeutics:
Study FDA approved active materials for topical applications; Study retinyl palmitate as conventional dermal drug and Dead Sea minerals; All drug delivery systems will contain Dead Sea minerals. A broad investigation of various capsule and nanoemulsion materials was performed, then narrowed down to the most promising systems: seven water-based and five oil-based systems. Both nanoemulsions and nanodispersions containing Dead Sea minerals and retinyl palmitate were successfully prepared and safe per initial toxicity tests.
Toxicology and biocompatibility:
Quantitative in vitro toxicity screens, of new water-based nanosystems and nanoemulsions were performed using cell viability and proliferation assays. Bioerodible nanoparticles showed low toxicity with cell viability > 60 % per control. Evaluating long circulating nanoparticles indicated full cytocompatibility with 100 % cell viability per control. Bioeliminable nanoparticles were fully cytocompatible, with 100 % cell viability per control. Bioeliminable nanoparticles labelled with fluorescent marker were evaluated for intracellular uptake and lysososome co-localisation in mouse cells using confocal microscopy. Intracellular uptake was efficient with no alteration in overall cell morphology. Genotoxicity studies revealed a direct correlation between polymer weight and genotoxicity.
Development of computational tool (DSS) for personalised diagnostic and therapeutics:
Development a computational tool for establishing personalised biomarker maps and subsequently suggesting personalised nano-therapeutics: completed are the system functional requirements, the information requirement analysis, the system detailed block diagram and architecture design; defining data base warehouse, and the detailed system design.
A pilot production of customised products and services:
A vessel for single batch production using an innovative monitoring technology has been designed. The logistic chain of actions has been designed together with QC protocols to ensure client optimal selection of the chemical texture (cream, lotion, gel or paste), packaging type (tube, bottle, jar etc.) and decoration. QC protocols are currently being evaluated for this purpose. First batches were prepared and tested and small scale experiments of specific actions have been carried out.
Dissemination and exploitation:
Launching an interactive project website and publishing a project brochure. All partners contributed to the dissemination and exploitation activities: write an SME and personnel training programme and plan on gender action; develop and deliver student courses; participate in conferences and workshops and write publications.
Development of protocols for personalised biomarker maps:
Known skin biomarkers: Biochemical and genetic biomarkers literature surveys related to psoriasis, photo-damage and dermatitis.
New skin biomarkers:
1. Biochemical and genetic analyses, of skin samples harvested from psoriasis, photo-damage and dermatitis patients versus healthy subjects, revealed differences in biochemical and spectral characteristics between skin sites per patient as well as between patients and healthy individuals. A correlation between irradiation and spectral profiles, obtained by non-invasive measurements, was noted. Genomic analyses of patients' samples are in process.
2. Psoriatic skin equivalents models were developed from human skin samples.
3. Several biochemical markers were determined by photo-damage in vitro model.
4. Non- and minimally invasive protocols were developed and used for in vivo study in psoriatic and photo-damaged patients.
5. UVB-induced photo-damage was analyzed ex vivo.
Novel nano systems for personalised topical skin therapeutics:
Study FDA approved active materials for topical applications; Study retinyl palmitate as conventional dermal drug and Dead Sea minerals; All drug delivery systems will contain Dead Sea minerals. A broad investigation of various capsule and nanoemulsion materials was performed, then narrowed down to the most promising systems: seven water-based and five oil-based systems. Both nanoemulsions and nanodispersions containing Dead Sea minerals and retinyl palmitate were successfully prepared and safe per initial toxicity tests.
Toxicology and biocompatibility:
Quantitative in vitro toxicity screens, of new water-based nanosystems and nanoemulsions were performed using cell viability and proliferation assays. Bioerodible nanoparticles showed low toxicity with cell viability > 60 % per control. Evaluating long circulating nanoparticles indicated full cytocompatibility with 100 % cell viability per control. Bioeliminable nanoparticles were fully cytocompatible, with 100 % cell viability per control. Bioeliminable nanoparticles labelled with fluorescent marker were evaluated for intracellular uptake and lysososome co-localisation in mouse cells using confocal microscopy. Intracellular uptake was efficient with no alteration in overall cell morphology. Genotoxicity studies revealed a direct correlation between polymer weight and genotoxicity.
Development of computational tool (DSS) for personalised diagnostic and therapeutics:
Development a computational tool for establishing personalised biomarker maps and subsequently suggesting personalised nano-therapeutics: completed are the system functional requirements, the information requirement analysis, the system detailed block diagram and architecture design; defining data base warehouse, and the detailed system design.
A pilot production of customised products and services:
A vessel for single batch production using an innovative monitoring technology has been designed. The logistic chain of actions has been designed together with QC protocols to ensure client optimal selection of the chemical texture (cream, lotion, gel or paste), packaging type (tube, bottle, jar etc.) and decoration. QC protocols are currently being evaluated for this purpose. First batches were prepared and tested and small scale experiments of specific actions have been carried out.
Dissemination and exploitation:
Launching an interactive project website and publishing a project brochure. All partners contributed to the dissemination and exploitation activities: write an SME and personnel training programme and plan on gender action; develop and deliver student courses; participate in conferences and workshops and write publications.