MAREA II

Objective

The overall objective of the MAREA II project is to continue the study and evaluation of new advanced coating materials, based on natural biodegradable and biocompatible materials, for use in microencapsulation processes of active ingredients of different kinds, enabling the production of microcapsules whose release is targeted at skin cells.

These microcapsules will be used as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations intended for dermal use.

Activities

1. Development of advanced encapsulation materials with controlled and targeted release properties.
2. Design, modification and synthesis of an optimised CPP.
3. Efficacy of advanced encapsulation materials on complex skin models.
4. Communication and dissemination.
5. Transfer of results.

Results

• Identification and selection of two materials of natural origin, with the biodegradability and biocompatibility properties required for the target application: alginate and chitosan.
• Adhesion of two modified cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) to the surface of chitosan microcapsules using different methodologies for each of them.
• Production of a CPP by recombinant means and its subsequent purification.
• Design and obtainment of different cell models which, depending on the objectives pursued, can be used to evaluate the microcapsules. The 3D cell model obtained consists of different cell types and achieves keratinocyte stratification, showing a structure very similar to artificial skin.
• Evaluation of the efficacy of microcapsules containing a fluorophore, on the surface of which the CPPs are attached. The 3D cell model used makes it possible to observe how the capsules penetrate the outermost layers of the skin, even reaching the stroma.

Dissemination/Transfer

• Project poster

Press releases

• AINIA will develop 13 new R&D projects funded by IVACE
• AINIA studies how to achieve more effective cosmetics based on biomaterials
• Progress in sustainable cosmetics with innovative solutions for the targeted release of active ingredients

Dissemination articles

• Genetic engineering and cell models, key to advancing towards natural cosmetics
• MAREA II: driving a new era of innovative and sustainable cosmetics

Internal communication

• We have submitted 13 proposals to the IVACE-FEDER 2023 call for grants and one to the DGI
• Six IVACE FEDER projects we have been working on this year have just been completed. We are sharing with you the videos and/or articles presenting the project results

Photo and video

• Results video: MAREA II: driving a new era of innovative and sustainable cosmetics
• MAREA II photo session