The Research Progress of Photoswitchable Wettability Materials

Surfaces with photo-responsive wettability can convert between hydrophobic and hydrophilic state via visible light or ultraviolet ray reversibly, which have attracted considerable attention and continue to be appealing and challenging. In this review, the classification based on their mechanism is introduced. The common fabrication approaches are outlined and also presented are the current and optional applications.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Fermented Eggplant Fruit Extracts with Leuconostoc mesenteroides KD20

We isolated Leuconostoc mesenteroides KD20, which has its application as a cosmetic material, while searching for useful microbes in Gangwon-do’s traditional fermented foods. Eggplant fruit extract (EG) was fermented with lactic acid bacteria L. mesenteroides. HPLC analysis results for the component analysis of EG and the fermented eggplant fruit extract (FEG) showed bio-conversion of quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside and rutin. To investigate skin protection effects of EG and FEG against skin damage by ultraviolet ray, we measured antioxidation and inhibitory effect of inflammation-related cytokines in keratinocytes irradiated with ultraviolet B (UVB). Biosynthesis of IL- 1α, which is increased with UVB in keratinocytes, was inhibited by 24.7% and 28.3% at 100 μg/ml of EG and FEG, respectively. Biosynthesis of PGE2 in keratinocytes was inhibited by 45.7% and 52.3% at 100 μg/ml of EG and FEG, respectively, indicating a greater effect of FEG. Therefore, EG and FEG can be used as an excellent material for cosmetics with skin protection effect against ultraviolet irradiation in keratinocytes.

Protective Effects of Ethanol Extract of Brazilian Green Propolis and Apigenin against Weak Ultraviolet Ray-B-Induced Barrier Dysfunction via Suppressing Nitric Oxide Production and Mislocalization of Claudin-1 in HaCaT Cells

Once weak ultraviolet ray-B (UVB) irradiates the skin cells, the generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), but not reactive oxygen species (ROS), is stimulated for the mislocalization of claudin-1 (CLDN1), an essential protein for forming tight junctions (TJs). Since our skin is constantly exposed to sunlight throughout our lives, an effective protection strategy is needed to maintain the skin barrier against weak UVB. In the present study, we investigated whether an ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis (EBGP) and flavonoids had a protective effect against weak UVB irradiation-induced barrier dysfunction in human keratinocyte-derived HaCaT cells. A pretreatment with EBGP suppressed TJ permeability, RNS production, and the nitration level of CLDN1 in the weak UVB-exposed cells. Among the propolis components, apigenin and apigenin-like flavonoids have potent protective effects against NO production and the mislocalization of CLDN1 induced by UVB. The analyses between structures and biological function revealed that the chemically and structurally characteristic flavonoids with a hydroxyl group at the 4′ position on the B-ring might contribute to its protective effect on barrier dysfunction caused by weak UVB irradiation. In conclusion, EBGP and its component apigenin protect HaCaT cells from weak UVB irradiation-induced TJ barrier dysfunction mediated by suppressing NO production.

Is ‘FAR UVC’ the Nearest Solution for Pandemic Containment?

The devastating COVID-19 pandemic has brought many challenges for the scientific commune. Containment of infection becomes paramount when the agent is novel with little or no management options. The present one is one such and no one is sure how many more will surface in time to come. This emphasizes on exploring broad-based containment options as an important preparedness plan. Ultraviolet (UV) rays known for their germicidal effect are in the voyage as potent disinfectants for long. But their potential health hazards limit their uses to a controlled environment. Of them, Ultraviolet ray C (UVC) is the most potent broad-spectrum germicidal, that can neutralize all forms of Corona viruses with the reported accuracy of 99.9%. Recent researches have supported that a fraction of this Ultraviolet ray C (UVC) (FAR UVC) in the electromagnetic range of 207-222 nanometers demonstrates non-damaging properties for mammalian tissues while retaining the germicidal potency. This article reviews the available evidence and reports their important observations. The knowledge base so generated can guide researchers to test its credibility in diverse situations and come out with lasting solutions for future challenges.

Coenzyme Q10 Sunscreen Prevents Progression of Ultraviolet-Induced Skin Damage in Mice

The level of sun ultraviolet ray reaching the surface of the earth is increasing severely due to the rapid development of the society and environmental destruction. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation causes skin damage and photoaging. Therefore, it is emerged to develop effective sunscreen to prevent ultraviolet-induced skin damage. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) sunscreen on the prevention of ultraviolet B radiation- (UVB-) induced mouse skin damage. Three-month-old female mice were used, and they were randomly divided into four groups: control, model, CoQ10, and titanium dioxide (TiO2; positive control) groups. Our results showed that body weight, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, and DNA (cytosine-5)-methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) protein expression were significantly decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) activity and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) level were increased in UVB-treated mice. Besides, the stratum corneum was shed from the skin surface in the model group compared with the control group. In contrast, CoQ10 sunscreen prevented from UVB-induced skin damage, as well as reversing SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA activities, and MMP-1 and DNMT1 levels. Taken together, the current study provided further evidence on the prevention of UVB-induced skin damage by CoQ10 and its underlying mechanisms.