Proposed Implementation

See the product design and future application

Depilatory products

The first generation of α-Gel only concentrates and preserves keratinases (KU3 and Q7). There are still many defects in practical applications, such as transportation and storage, and usage methods.

Therefore, based on the collaboration with NDNF, the α-Gel product has been iterated into hydrogel packages. The packaging method includes :

1.Preparation of keratinase-alginate core

2.Packaging in hard dense capsules

Details of the process can be found in Protocol section. The thickness of capsule depends on the time of crosslinking with CaCl2.

Furthermore, future commercial products have undergone effect testing and packaging design.

It is confirmed through experiments that keratinase can maintain activity in the hydrogel, although the specific duration needs further verification. Compared with keratinases preserved in Tris-buffer at 25°C for 24h, keratinases preserved in the hydrogel package showed higher enzyme activity, either KU3 or Q7. Furthermore, data for 4°C in hydrogel showed an even higher activity on 0.5% casein after 24h than at room temperature. And the next iteration of the product also includes the addition of aromatic scents, based on the collaboration with the FAFU team.

Figure 1. Activity test of hydrogel-encapsulated keratinase hair removal products at 4°C and room temperature storage environment for 1day.

Not only the packaging material of the hair removal product itself was designed, but also the appearance of the product was designed.

Cornification treatment

Epidermal keratinocytes in human body undergo series of terminal differentiation and structured cell death called cornification, which leads to formation of our outermost skin barrier [1]. This layer of skin, also called the cornified layer, is responsible for preventing penetration of allergens, pathogens, chemical irritants, and harmful radiation [2]. It is also essential for keeping nutrients and water inside our body system. Without normal cornification process, this layer of skin will be too light to bear common cosmetic products. Possible symptoms include but are not limited to dry skins and increased scrums. However, a thick outermost skin barrier can also eliminate excretion of waste products from skin, leading to a dull and rough skin [3]. In this case, most cosmetic products including whitening creams cannot function properly, as this thick layer acts as a barrier for them too. There are already several types of products aiming to thinning human skin, for example facial cleanser containing tiny, polished beads, or chemicals that erode thin layer of skin cells. These products are all quite effective, but there is a high possibility for them to cause serious damages to our skin. In comparison, alpha-gel products makes uses of biological enzyme-keratinase-that breaks down keratin in cornified layer naturally. This is safer than many other products, meanwhile more effective.

Sewer dredging

Many people are bothered by lumps of hair on the bathroom floor. These nasty devils often hide in drainages, seeking chance to block the whole system one day. But now you don’t need to worry! Our research on keratinase can certainly help with this. Hair, whether it is from your head or chin, is mainly made of keratin. By using our biological enzyme product, keratin can be easily broken down and flushed down your sewers.

Leather processing

You may have noticed that usually you cannot find a single hair on a pair of well-made leather shoes. Or on a leather jacket. This is due to a process all leather should go through before they are brought to firms of Camel and Louise Vuitton-lining. During this process, hides are soaked in an alkali solution, usually lime water, to remove all hair or fur [4]. This can be harmful to workers handling the process-so why not have a try of our product? Lumps of fresh keratinase can also perform the same function, but in a safer way!

References

Sandilands, Aileen, et al. "Filaggrin in the frontline: role in skin barrier function and disease." Journal of cell science 122.9 (2009): 1285-1294.

Proksch, Ehrhardt, Johanna M. Brandner, and Jens‐Michael Jensen. "The skin: an indispensable barrier." Experimental dermatology 17.12 (2008): 1063-1072.

Packianathan, Nilani, and Ruckmani Kandasamy. "Skin care with herbal exfoliants." Functional Plant Science and Biotechnology 5.1 (2011): 94-97.