Skin Whitening Efficacy Evaluation
Creative Biogene Zebrafish Platform is staffed with experienced scientists in zebrafish research. The platform employs advanced technologies and can provide cosmetics skin whitening efficacy evaluation for cosmetic industry players. We provide reliable data and professional cosmetics efficacy evaluation reports.
The darkening of the skin is caused by the secretion of melanin by melanocytes, which are located in the basal layer of the skin. The pigment is initially produced from the amino acid L-tyrosine, which is converted to dopaquinone through the catalytic action of tyrosinase - a crucial step in the melanogenic pathway. One melanocyte provides epidermal melanin for about 36 surrounding keratinocytes. This phenomenon can protect human skin from ultraviolet radiation, free radicals, and reactive oxygen species. Nevertheless, aesthetic skin problems such as dark spots, melasma, and freckles, which arise from the excessive buildup of melanin, have led to a continuous interest in the cosmetic industry.
Fig. 1 Synthetic pathway of melanin
Despite the multiple presence of skin-whitening agents in the current cosmetic market, the cosmetic industry is consistently exploring novel ingredients for skin-whitening purposes that offer improved outcomes with fewer side effects. It is crucial to use effective and appropriate methods to assess the whitening efficacy of cosmetics prior to their availability to consumers. Zebrafish is a well-studied model organism characterized by its small size, rapid maturation, short life span, large number of offspring, and easy manipulation. Melanin can be observed on the zebrafish surface, allowing simple observation of the pigmentation process. In addition, it can provide insights into the in vivo effectiveness and safety of some molecules as skin-whitening agents.
Our Zebrafish-based Skin Whitening Efficacy Evaluation
The main mechanism of the whitening efficacy of cosmetics is through the inhibition of tyrosinase activity, thereby reducing melanin production. At Creative Biogene, we provide the following assays to evaluate the skin whitening efficacy of your cosmetics:
- Inhibition of melanogenesis in zebrafish
In the study, zebrafish embryos are treated with cosmetics and incubated for a period of time. We evaluate the skin whitening efficacy of your cosmetics by observing the melanin formation in treated zebrafish embryos under a stereomicroscope.
Fig. 2 Effect of KAD2 on melanogenesis in zebrafish
- Tyrosine content
The tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme in regulating melanin production. At Creative Biogene, we evaluate the skin whitening efficacy of your cosmetics by measuring the protein level of tyrosinase in control and treated zebrafish embryos.
Fig. 3 Effects of sesamol on melanogenesis in zebrafish-total melanin content
Creative Biogene Zebrafish Platform is dedicated to meeting the brand's needs during the development of skin-whitening cosmetic products, and providing customized solutions to assist in establishing a high-quality brand. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us or submit an inquiry to us at any time. We are looking forward to cooperating with you.
References
- Ferreira, A.M.; et al. Anti-melanogenic potential of natural and synthetic substances: application in zebrafish model. Molecules, 2023, 28(3): 1053.
- Hsiao, S.W.; et al. Assessing the skin-whitening property of plant extracts from Taiwanese species using zebrafish as a rapid screening platform. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2023: 105035.
- Lajis, A.F.B. A zebrafish embryo as an animal model for the treatment of hyperpigmentation in cosmetic dermatology medicine. Medicina (Kaunas), 2018, 54(3): 35.
- Chen, Y.M., et al. Anti-melanogenesis of novel kojic acid derivatives in B16F10 cells and zebrafish. International journal of biological macromolecules, 2019, 123: 723-731.
- Baek, S., Lee, S.H. Sesamol decreases melanin biosynthesis in melanocyte cells and zebrafish: Possible involvement of MITF via the intracellular cAMP and p38/JNK signaling pathways. Experimental dermatology, 2015, 24(10): 761-766.
For research use only. Not intended for any clinical use.
