ÒSCAR EXPÓSITO*, ALEJANDRO GUIRADO, RAÚL VALLECILLO, ANA GALLEGO, MARÍA MAS, PAU RIERA, DANIEL LUNA, SARA LAPLANA, TARIK RUIZ, SANDRA RUIZ, MARTA GIBERT
*Corresponding author
Vytrus Biotech S.A. Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

There is a scientific mechanism of action that it has hardly been talked about yet: Quorum Quenching. This ancestral activity, based on the natural power and properties of plants, allows to safely modulate communication between bacteria, so their group behaviours (e.g. virulence) and potential damage caused to the skin (such as acne) are avoided, respecting the skin microbiome health. The present article exposes how a metabolome rich in anti-Quorum Sensing molecules (INCI: Morinda Citrifolia Callus Culture Lysate) and originally from plant stem cells and that does not contain antibiotics, is able to act against dysbiosis of bacteria, ‘hacking’ their communication signals respectfully with the skin microbiota. As a result, bacteria virulence is avoided and healthy microbial rebalance, improvement of acne-prone skin, sebum-regulation, and skin perfecting are achieved. Several in vitro and in vivo trials were carried out to demonstrate the activity and efficacy of the plant-based active ingredient.

INTRODUCTION

Amongst all skin conditions, acne has also turned of high importance globally and become the 8^th most common skin disorder in the world, being a skin health problem for nearly 10% of our whole population (1), affecting not only teenagers but also adults.

The skin surface has traditionally been considered an inert subject. However, there is a layer of microorganisms on top of the skin that can be altered (2-4). Hormonal imbalances, pollution or stress may cause an excess of sebum, that drives to an imbalance of several key microbial players (Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis).

In acne formation, microbial dysbiosis plays a crucial role. Why does this imbalance happen?

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BACTERIA

Quorum Sensing (QS) is a bacterial communication and coordination system, which is mediated through volatile bio-chemical compounds called Quormones or Auto-inducers (5). 

Bacteria, amongst other types of microbes, synthesize and secrete these Quormon ...