Scientists at Northwestern University have engineered a novel synthetic melanin formulation that offers both protection and restoration for skin subjected to solar and environmental harm through its radical-scavenging abilities. It is slated for future clinical trials and shows promise for applications in solar defense, tissue repair, and safeguarding against environmental contaminants. An image depicts skin inflammation with the presence of free radicals (green) in the dermis. These reactive oxygen species, or free radicals, are visualized here. Attribution: Yu Chen, Northwestern University.
The synthetic formulation also confers a protective layer against solar-induced skin damage.
Envision a dermatological cream capable of repairing the damage incurred from daily solar radiation and pollutants. A team of scientists at Northwestern University has synthesized a biomimetic melanin that aspires to achieve this goal.
This laboratory-created melanin, which seeks to replicate the melanin in human skin, demonstrates promising results in hastening the healing process of wounds upon topical application.
When employed in cream form, this artificial melanin offers a shield for the dermis against the sun and aids in recuperating skin from sun-related injuries or chemical burns, according to the researchers. The compound operates by neutralizing free radicals that are produced by the skin when it is harmed, like in cases of sunburn. If left unchecked, these free radicals can lead to cellular destruction, contributing to skin aging and potentially, cancer.
The findings have been published in the journal npj Regenerative Medicine.
Melanin endows humans and animals with skin, eye, and hair pigmentation. It defends cells from solar damage by darkening the skin upon sun exposure – a phenomenon better known as tanning. This pigment also naturally combats free radicals which arise from environmental pollution such as industrial discharges and vehicle emissions.
“Individuals often overlook the daily impact of solar exposure on their skin,” stated Dr. Kurt Lu, co-corresponding author and the Eugene and Gloria Bauer Professor of Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and a dermatologist with Northwestern Medicine. “Daily, unshielded exposure to the sun subjects the skin to a subtle yet relentless barrage of ultraviolet light, exacerbated during midday peaks and summer months. It’s well-documented that sun-exposed skin ages in contrast to skin shielded by clothing, which shows considerably less aging.”
A video segment from the dermatology laboratory of study author Dr. Kurt Lu. Courtesy of Northwestern University.
Skin aging is attributed to chronological aging and external environmental elements, including pollution.
“All such factors contribute to the generation of free radicals that lead to inflammation and collagen breakdown,” Lu explained. “This is one of the primary reasons aging skin distinctly differs from youthful skin.”
The researchers engineered nanoparticles of synthetic melanin with an enhanced structure to elevate their capacity for scavenging free radicals.
“This engineered melanin can capture more radicals per unit than natural human melanin,” stated co-corresponding author Nathan Gianneschi, the Jacob and Rosaline Cohn Professor of Chemistry, Materials Science & Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology at Northwestern. “It functions like a potent melanin. It is biocompatible, degradable, non-toxic, and it becomes transparent when applied to the skin. Our tests show that it acts effectively as a sponge, absorbing and mitigating harmful elements and thereby shielding the skin.”
Upon application, the melanin remains on the skin’s surface without penetrating deeper layers.
“This melanin initiates and perpetuates a healing trajectory, visible on the surface as well as systemically,” Gianneschi added.
Transitioning to a novel hypothesis
For nearly a decade, the melanin research by these scientists initially explored its use as a sunscreen agent.
“It provided skin and cellular defense against damage,” Gianneschi noted. “We then speculated if this synthetic melanin, whose primary function is to absorb radicals, could also be applied post-injury for therapeutic effects on the skin? The results confirmed our hypothesis.”
Lu foresees the potential of this melanin cream to be utilized alongside sunscreen for heightened protection and within moisturizers to enhance skin restoration.
A graphical representation depicts a layer of synthetic melanin atop inflamed skin. Credit: Yu Chen, Northwestern University.
“You might apply it before and after sun exposure,” Lu advised. “In both scenarios, we observed a diminishment in skin damage and inflammation. It offers simultaneous protection and repair. The repair process is ongoing.”
The cream also holds potential for treating blisters and open wounds, according to Lu.
The melanin cream modulates the immune system
Through their investigations, Gianneschi and Lu discerned that by absorbing free radicals post-injury, the melanin cream suppresses the immune response. The stratum corneum, the exterior layer of mature skin cells, communicates with the epidermis beneath. This top layer acts as a receiver of signals from both the body and the environment. By mitigating the harmful inflammation at the surface, the body can pivot to a reparative state.
“By reducing inflammation, we’re aiding the skin’s ability to heal itself,” Gianneschi elaborated.
In their upcoming clinical trials, the researchers will examine if the melanin cream can be utilized to hasten the repair of wounds that are healing poorly or not at all, such as diabetic foot ulcers.
“The societal burden of chronic wounds is immense,” Lu said. “We are hopeful this will be another avenue to assist patients suffering from them.”
The study showcases the interdisciplinary collaboration at Northwestern, combining expertise in dermatology, chemistry, materials science, and biomedical engineering to create this innovative treatment.
“Our team is driven by the vision to provide new solutions to urgent skin problems,” Lu concluded, reflecting on the collective effort.
The future applications for the synthetic melanin cream are extensive, from healing wounds to serving as a potential defense against chemical and biological contaminants in military scenarios.
This novel formulation, if proven successful through clinical trials, may usher in a new era of skin care that goes beyond mere aesthetics, encompassing therapeutic and protective capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about synthetic melanin cream
What is the new synthetic melanin cream developed by Northwestern University?
The synthetic melanin cream is a biomimetic formulation designed to protect and heal skin from sunburn, environmental toxins, and chemical burns by scavenging harmful free radicals. It mimics natural melanin, aids in wound healing, and is being studied for its effectiveness in protecting against nerve gas and other toxins.
How does the synthetic melanin cream work?
The cream functions by scavenging free radicals – reactive oxygen species (ROS) – that are produced by skin when it is injured by factors like UV radiation or chemical exposure. This action not only protects but also promotes healing in the skin by reducing inflammation and initiating reparative processes.
Are there any clinical trials planned for the synthetic melanin cream?
Yes, clinical trials are on the horizon for the synthetic melanin cream. The researchers have completed initial trials showing it is non-irritating to human skin and are pursuing further testing for its efficacy in wound healing and protective capabilities.
Can the synthetic melanin cream be used as a sunscreen?
The cream was initially tested as a sunscreen and found to protect skin cells from damage. Its developers envision its use as a sunscreen booster, providing additional protection and aiding in skin repair after sun exposure.
What potential does synthetic melanin have beyond healing skin injuries?
Beyond skin repair, synthetic melanin has been researched for its ability to absorb environmental toxins, including heavy metals and potentially nerve gas. Its incorporation into textiles for military uniforms is also being studied, leveraging its toxin-absorbing properties.
More about synthetic melanin cream
- Synthetic Melanin Cream Research
- Northwestern University Dermatology
- npj Regenerative Medicine Journal
- National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- U.S. Department of Defense Research Programs
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
