Quantification of In Vivo Epidermal Keratinocyte Architecture Associated with the Signs of Skin Aging and the Skin Benefit Evaluation by Application of Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (Pitera)-Containing Skin Care Product

Background: Aged skin exhibits visual alterations such as wrinkles, rough texture, pore dilation, and dull skin tone, as well as physiological aging, namely, decreased hydration and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Recent advances in coherence tomography have also revealed that skin aging affects in vivo epidermal keratinocyte architecture. However, the interconnectivity between spatial architectural aging and visual/physiological aging parameters remains largely unknown. Purpose: To elucidate whether the tomographic keratinocyte architectural aging is correlated with visual and physiological skin aging parameters and to quantitatively evaluate the improvements of the architectural, visual, and physiological aging parameters by the daily treatment of the skin care formula containing Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (GFF, 8X PiteraTM). Method: We measured the in vivo keratinocyte cellular architecture with two-photon stereoscopic tomography obtaining by-layer epidermal section images in 78 Asian females of various ages. Visual aging parameters were analyzed using a portable image capture system. Hydration and TEWL were also assessed. The anti-aging effects of GFF-containing skin moisturizer (SK-II LXP CreamTM) were also examined in two studies after twice-daily application for 2 (N = 35) and 4 (N = 32) weeks. Results: As for the keratinocyte cellular architecture, skin aging was significantly associated with decreased cell density and increased cell uniformity. These architectural aging parameters were significantly correlated with visual and physiological aging parameters, namely, rough texture, wrinkles, pore dilation, dull skin tone, dehydration, and increased TEWL. The strong interconnectivity allowed us to develop formulae to estimate the keratinocyte architecture from visual aging parameters. Moreover, twice-daily application of SK-II significantly improved the keratinocyte architecture associated with multiple skin aging visual and physiological parameters. Conclusion: Skin aging is a process involving mutual interconnections among epidermal keratinocyte cellular architecture, visual, and physiological parameters. The GFF-containing moisturizer SK-II effectively improves spatial architecture of keratinocytes in epidermis and these evaluated skin aging parameters in a new trajectory over the course of treatment. .

The Application Progress of Skin Imaging Technology in Psoriasis

Skin imaging technologies such as dermoscopy, high-frequency ultrasound, reflective confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography are developing rapidly in clinical application. Skin imaging technology can improve clinical diagnosis rate, and its non-invasiveness and repeatability make it occupy an irreplaceable position in clinical diagnosis. With the “booming development” of medical technology, skin imaging technology can improve clinical diagnosis rate. Researchers have made significant advances in assisting clinical diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of disease. This article reviews the application and progress of skin imaging in the diagnosis of psoriasis.

Research progress on the skincare efficacy of sulfated glycosaminoglycans

With the improvement of consumers’scientific skin care consciousness,skin problems-oriented efficacy skin care and precise skin care methods have become the future development trend.Glycosaminoglycans are long,linear polysaccharides comprised of repeated disaccharide units,which are highly expressed endogenously in the skin.They are commonly present in skin cells,cell surface and extracellular matrix,with pleiotropic biological function.In addition to hyaluronic acid,the sulfated glycosaminoglycans heparin,heparan sulfate,dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate play an important role in anti-wrinkle,firming,soothing,and improving microvascular circulation,but are still in the research and development stage in cosmetics.This paper summarizes the skincare mechanism of sulfated glycosaminoglycans,and demonstrates the potential of sulfated glycosaminoglycans as functional raw materials in cosmetics.

Isotopic dependence of the yield ratios of light fragments from different projectiles and their unified neutron skin thicknesses

The yield ratios of neutron-proton(R(n/p))and^(3)H-^(3)He(R(^(3)H∕^(3)He))with reduced rapidity from 0 to 0.5 were simulated at 50 MeV/u even-even ^(36−56)Ca+^(40)Ca,even-even ^(48−78)Ni+^(58)Ni,and ^(100−139)Sn(every third isotopes)+112 Sn for full reduced impact parameters using the isospin-dependent quantum molecular dynamics(IQMD)model.The neutron and proton density distributions and root-mean-square radii of the reaction systems were obtained using the Skyrme-Hartree-Fock model,which was used for the phase space initialization of the projectile and target in IQMD.We defined the unified neutron skin thickness asΔRnp=<r^(2)>^(1∕2) n−<r^(2)>^(1∕2)p,which was negative for neutron-deficient nuclei.The unifiedΔRnp values for nuclei with the same relative neutron excess from different isotopic chains were nearly equal,except for extreme neutron-rich isotopes,which is a type of scaling behavior.The yield ratios of the three isotopic chain-induced reactions,which depended on the reduced impact parameter and unified neutron skin thickness,were studied.The results showed that both R(n/p)and R(^(3)H∕^(3)He)decreased with a reduced impact parameter for extreme neutron-deficient isotopes;however,they increased with reduced impact parameters for extreme neutron-rich isotopes,and increased with theΔRnp of the projectiles for all reduced impact parameters.In addition,a scaling phenomenon was observed betweenΔR np and the yield ratios in peripheral colli-sions from different isotopic chain projectiles(except for extreme neutron-rich isotopes).Thus,R(n/p)and R(^(3)H∕^(3)He)from peripheral collisions were suggested as experimental probes for extracting the neutron or proton skin thicknesses of non-extreme neutron-rich nuclei from different isotopic chains.

Investigation of the cell composition and gene expression in the delayed-type hypersensitivity tuberculin skin test

Dear Editor,The tuberculin skin test(TST)reagents have continuously improved,with the ESAT6-CFP10(EC)test having recently been introduced,but are seldom based on the direction of the delayed-type hypersensitivity(DTH)mechanism.Previous studies only partially showed the infiltration and activation of immune cells and the production of cytokines of the skin induration[1,2],and lack the detailed measurements of cell proportions and gene expression in the DTH response.Therefore,in this study,we revealed the comprehensive characteristics of DTH by single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)in the guinea pig tuberculosis(TB)model[Experimental Animal Welfare Ethics Committee,Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute(2021-064)].

The Value of Excipients and the Required Understanding of the Biological System in Product Development: An Impactful Example of Curaderm, a Topical Skin Cancer Treatment

The incidences of nonmelanoma skin cancer are increasing worldwide, and the ongoing war on its treatment necessitates the development of effective and non-invasive methods. Through basic and clinical research, non-invasive treatments like Curaderm have been developed, leading to improved quality of life for patients. Excipients, previously considered inactive ingredients, play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of topical formulations. The development of Curaderm emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions between active ingredients, excipients, and the biological system to create effective and affordable pharmaceutical formulations. The systematic approach taken in the development of Curaderm, starting from the observation of the anticancer activity of natural solasodine glycosides and progressing through toxicological and efficacy studies in cell culture, animals, and humans, has provided insights into the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of solasodine glycosides. It is crucial to determine these pharmacological parameters within the skin’s biological system for maximal effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a skin cancer treatment. Curaderm, as a topical treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancer, offers benefits beyond those obtained from other topical treatments, providing hope for improved quality of life for patients.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections in the Surgical Area at the Kara Teaching Hospital

Objective: To report the management of skin and soft tissue infections in the surgical area of Kara University Hospital in Togo. Material and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, in the general surgery and orthopedic trauma departments. The study focused on soft tissue infections of the pelvic and thoracic limbs and analyzed epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and evolutionary data. Results: We registered 165 patients, comprising 109 men and 56 women.The sex ratio (F/H) were 0.51. The mean age was 45 years with extremes ranging from 23 to 90 years. Farmers (64.8%) followed by housewives (34.0%) were the social strata most affected. The consultation period varied between 1 and 90 days. The pathologies found were necrotizing fasciitis (53.3%), erysipelas (18.2%), infected limb wounds (12.1%), pyomyositis (9.7%), and necrotizing dermo-hypodermitis (1.8%). The main procedures performed were necrosectomy and grafting (62.9%), sample necrosectomy (18.8%), drainage (9.7%), and pelvic limb amputation (1.2%). Follow-up was favorable in 86.7% of cases. The study noted a death rate of 13.3% due to septic shock secondary to a delay in consultation. Conclusion: Skin and soft tissue infections were a common reason for surgical hospitalization at Kara University Hospital, with a high mortality rate due to delayed consultations.

Development and Application of Procedures for the Management of Skin Toxicity Related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients with Lung Cancer

Objective: To establish the procedures for the management of skin toxicity related to immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with lung cancer and explore the effect of application. Methods: A total of 24 evidence-based evidences were collected from 7 aspects, including risk factors, baseline screening, ICIs monitoring, daily skin care, multidisciplinary management, symptom management and health education. A total of 157 lung cancer patients and 94 nurses from 8 wards of the Oncology department of our hospital from November 2022 to May 2023 were selected by convenience sampling. A total of 77 patients and 46 nurses from ward 1 - 4 were divided into the baseline group. There were 80 patients and 48 nurses in Ward 5 - 8 as the evidence-based practice group. In the baseline group, patients were treated with routine methods such as assessing skin symptoms, taking medication according to symptoms, guiding to keep skin clean and moist, eating a light diet, and avoiding scratching. The evidence-based practice group adopts an evidence-based continuous improvement model for nursing. The differences in the severity of symptoms of skin toxicity in the second cycle of medication and the knowledge and practice of self-care of skin toxicity were compared between the two groups before and after the use of the syndrome, as well as the differences in the implementation rate of review indicators, evidence-based ability and knowledge and practice of skin toxicity care before and after the use of the syndrome. Results: The incidence and severity of cutaneous toxicity were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment (P P < 0.05). Conclusion: The implementation of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related skin toxicity management procedures can effectively reduce the incidence and severity of skin toxicity symptoms, optimize the clinical pathway, and improve the quality of care.

Insight into the Efficacy and Potential Mechanism of Fructus Aurantii on Skin Based on Network Pharmacology

[Objectives]This study was conducted to explore the mechanism and pharmacological activity of Fructus Aurantii on human skin through network pharmacology.[Methods]The active components and targets of Fructus Aurantii were screened byTCMSPand SymMap data-bases,and the targets were humanized after de-duplication by UniProt database.Relevant therapeutic targets were searched in Gencards data-base with"skin"as the key word,and those with higher weights were retained.An effective component-human skin action target network of Fructus Aurantii was established by Cytoscape software.Then,the topological analysis of protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was made by using String database and Cytoscape software.Gene Ontology(GO)funetional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were carried out by david database,and the analysis results were visualized by Hiplot soft-ware.[Results]Thirteen active compounds of Fructus Aurantii were obtained by screening,and 99 gene targets of Fructus Aurantii which might have pharmacological activity on human skin were obtained by intersection analysis.PTGS2,PTGS1,HSP90AB1,HSP90AAI,NCOA2 and PIK3CG might be core action targets of Fructus Aurantii on human skin according to the topological analysis of the active component-target network.The analysis of PPI network showed that IL-1β,INS,TNF,TP53 and ESR1 might be core action proteins of Fructus Auranti.GO enrichment analysis showed that Fructus Aurantii might balance the imbalance of skin microenvironment caused by various in-vitro stimuli by participating in biological processes such as response to xenobiotic stimulus and regulation of small molecule metabolic process.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that the targets of Fructus Aurantii acting on human skin were enriched in pathways in cancer,Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection,pathways in measles,AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications,IL.-17 signaling pathway,etc.[Conclusions]Fructus Aurantii may act on human skin targets through a variety of active components,and play a regulatory role in skin-related diseases.

Intact fish skin graft a new hope for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers:A case report

BACKGROUND Diabetic foot ulcers(DFUs)are a real public health problem which carry a high risk of amputation.The treatment of DFUs is based on general management such as the treatment of infection,arterial disease,and offloading,but recent studies have shown that the quality of the local covering can impact the healing rate.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 39-year-old man,living with diabetes since the age of 15,who developed DFU on the dorsum of his left foot,with muscle and tendon in-volvement.Conventional management with intensive diabetes control,surgery,treatment of infection and negative pressure therapy gave only limited results.The patient benefited from the application of an intact fish skin graft with com-plete epithelialisation of the ulcer after 10 weeks of treatment.CONCLUSION The use of intact fish skin graft appears to be a promising option for deep DFUs.

Research on the Nursing Effect of Glycolipids on Acne Skin

Glycolipids are lipid compounds,which are a type of amphiphilic molecules containing glycosyl ligands.This experiment studied the efficacy of glycolipids on acne skin care from the aspects of antibacterial,anti-inflammatory,anti-allergic,oil-control,soothing and repair.Research results show that glycolipids have excellent antibacterial properties against P.acnes;when the dosage of glycolipids reaches 10μg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on lipid synthesis in SZ95 cells can reach 20%;glycolipids can induce LPS induction RAW264.7 cells have the inhibitory effect on the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and NO;when the glycolipids concentration is 15 mg/mL,the inhibition rate of glycolipids on hyaluronidase reaches 45.8%;when the glycolipids concentration is 25μg/mL,the inhibition rate on calcium ion concentration reaches 45.3%;glycolipids have a significant promoting effect on wound healing.Furthermore,human efficacy evaluation shows that glycolipids products have comprehensive care effects on acne skin.This study will help further promote the application of glycolipids in cosmetic products,especially in skin care products for acne skin.

Influences of Skin and Base Types on the Soothing Assessment of Cosmetic Products

In order to assess the responses of different skin types stimulated by tape stripping,after which two kinds of brand cosmetics of cream and hydrogel,were separately applied to evaluate the individual soothing effect of the product on different skin types.A total of 30 volunteers aged 18~65 years were recruited,which were divided into four groups(oily,dry,normal and combined)according to the self-oiling ability of facial and T zones.Four 3 cm×3 cm of skins on inner forearm of each volunteer were chosen and randomly marked as blank,negative control,soothing cream and soothing gel.The blank area was kept untreated,and the remaining areas were tape-stripped by 10 times(Transparent universal 1527C-1,3M China Co.,Ltd.,)to disrupt the skin corneum and induce erythema.Images,erythema index(EI)and transcutaneous water loss rate(TEWL)of the marked skin areas before and 5 min after tape-stripping were taken to assess the distinct responses of different skin type to the taping treatment;Ten minutes after tape-stripping,The soothing products were applied to the test area,the skin images,EI and TEWL at 20 min and 50 min(corresponding to 30 min and 60 min after tape-stripping,respectively)were measured after cosmetics application to compare and evaluate the soothing effects of cream and hydrogel on different skin types.Results showed that different skin displayed diverse reactions to the tape-stripping,and the oily skin was more sensitive with longer duration of erythema than other skin types.After the application of soothing products,both cream and hydrogel could relieve skin erythema,while the soothing effects are dependent both on skin types and the cosmetic base materials:Hydrogel has a better efficacy in alleviating erythema and TEWL of dry skin,while the cream was more effective on normal,oily and combined skin types.The results suggest that the modelling method for soothing evaluation should consider the skin types of the volunteers,and the cosmetics of different base materials might have the target skin types.

Exploration of the Evaluation Method for the Soothing Effect of UV Induced Human Skin Damage Model

To explore the method of evaluating the soothing effect of human skin damage,a human skin damage model was established using UV light induction.Four test areas were set up,namely blank control area,UV damage prevention and soothing area,immediate soothing area after UV damage and soothing area after UV damage.Five skin parameters,including skin melanin,red pigment value,skin pigmentation value,a*value,and skin redness value,were used to characterize skin pigmentation before and after using the sample Changes in properties such as skin erythema and skin pigment.The results showed that the method showed significant changes in the skin condition of volunteers before and after using the sample,and could achieve a soothing effect,which has certain reference significance.

The Effect of a Novel Complex, Composed of Ceramide, Energizing Peptide and Camu Camu Extract, on Epidermal Barrier Function and Dermal Antiaging Properties in Ex Vivo Human Skin Small Live Cohort

The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERATTM complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERATTM complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERATTM complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .

Deciphering the Hidden Secrets between the Early Skin Wrinkling & the Metabolic (X) Syndrome with the Possible Reversal of This Process at the Molecular Level

The aging process is a group of degenerative changes that physiologically occur in most of the people in the elderly. This affects one or more of the human body systems. The treatment of diseases related to the aging process has a huge impact on the economy of all nations. Aging of the skin comes on the top and despite that, the results of the already present lines of treatment are not always satisfactory. This acts as a stimulus for us to dig deeper to discover the root causes of the premature aging of the skin. This was simply caused by the accumulation of repeated minute damage to the internal structure skin. In other words, if the degree of minute damage is more than the capacity of the skin to repair, the repeated micro-damage is presented in the long run as a skin wrinkling. Moreover, the skin acts as a mirror that reflects the internal structures of the human body. Thus, the more degenerative changes in the human body systems, the more the skin could become wrinkled. Our strategy to prevent or at least slow down the aging process of the skin depends on 2 main steps;the 1st is to reduce the micro-damage as can as possible, and the 2nd is to enhance the capacity of tissue regeneration to be able to reverse the already present damaged skin. As the 2 processes are synchronized with each other, this strategy would be considered the ideal for prevention of skin wrinkling especially premature ones. This not only reverses premature skin wrinkling but also protects it from future wrinklings. This review sharply pointed out the role of the functional collagen of the dermal layer of the skin in the prevention of skin wrinklings. Therefore, it would be the target to study how collagen works in the complex machinery of the dermal layer of the skin. This concept deeply believes that the recovery of dermal collagen has a much better effect than simply ingesting collagen or receiving a topical collagen booster. .

The efficacy of a novel tomato extracts formulation on skin aging and pigmentation:A randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial

Background:Oxidative stress is a significant factor in skin aging and pigmentation,which can be precipitated by various circumstances.Antioxidants and tyrosinase inhibitors,such as carotenoids,yeast extract(glutathione),sodium hyaluronate,astaxanthin,and niacin,can individually protect the skin against aging through distinct mechanisms.These mechanisms potentially enhance the skin barrier and improve signs of aging and pigmentation.However,the synergistic effects of these compounds,as found in a golden tomato extract formulation,have been scarcely explored.Objective:To evaluate the effects of an orally administered formulation on the skin aging and pigmentation.Material and Methods:In this study,a randomized,double-blind,parallel-controlled trial was conducted,utilizing the WONDERLAB?Tomato Niacinamide beverage.Out of all participants,62 volunteers completed the experiment and were included in the statistical analysis.Results:The results indicated that after eight weeks of consuming the research product,there were no significant changes in the skin indicators within the placebo group.In contrast,the treatment group receiving the sample formulation exhibited a 35.63%increase in stratum corneum hydration and a 29.39%reduction in transepidermal water loss(TEWL),suggesting enhanced skin hydration.Visual assessments revealed improvements in skin color and gloss index by 15.03%and 11.41%,respectively,in the treatment group.Furthermore,the skin gloss and individual typology angle(ITA)value increased by 18.59%and 6.36%,respectively,leading to a lighter skin tone.Significant enhancements were also observed in skin pigmentation,color uniformity,and redness.After eight weeks of intervention with the sample,blood levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione peroxidase(GPx)increased,while malondialdehyde(MDA)levels decreased.Conclusion:These findings confirm that continuous intake of the tomato extract formulation over eight weeks effectively improved the volunteers'skin whitening and hydration,and visibly brightened skin tone through an antioxidant mechanism.

The Application of Digital Optical 3D Image Analyzer Evaskin in The Evaluation of Wrinkles

To verify the effectiveness of digital optical 3D image analyzer EvaSKIN in the objective and quantitative evaluation of wrinkles.A total of 115 subjects were recruited,the facial images of the subjects were collected by digital optical 3D image analyzer and manual camera,the changes of crow’s feet with age were analyzed.Pictures obtained by manual photography can be directly used for observation and preliminary grading of wrinkles.However,the requirements for evaluators are high,and the results are prone to errors,which will affect the accuracy of the evaluation.Therefore,skilled raters are needed.Compared with the manual photography method,the digital optical 3D image analyzer EvaSKIN can realize three-dimensional extraction of wrinkles,and obtain the change trend of crow’s feet with age.20~30 years old,wrinkles begin to appear slowly;wrinkles will increase rapidly at the age of 30~50;The length of 50~60 year old wrinkles is basically fixed,the wrinkles develop longitudewise,gradually widen and deepen,and the area,depth and volume increase is obvious,and the skin aging condition is intensified.the digital optical 3D image analyzer EvaSKIN realizes the 3D extraction of wrinkles,quantifies the circumference,area,average depth,maximum depth and volume of wrinkles,realizes the objective and quantitative evaluation of wrinkle state,is more accurate in the measurement of wrinkles,and provides a new instrument and method for the evaluation of wrinkles.it is a perfect and supplement to the traditional evaluation methods,and to a certain extent,it helps the research and development and evaluation institutions of cosmetics to obtain more abundant and three-dimensional data support.

Study on Skin Care Efficacy of the Active Ingredients in Camellia Japonica Flowers at High and Low Altitudes

The active ingredients of Camellia japonica flowers(CJF)at high and low altitudes,as well as their skin care efficacy were compared.The dried red CJF at high and low altitudes were ultrasonically extracted with 70%ethanol,and these extracts were concentrated and then diluted to a constant volume.The content of total flavonoids,total polyphenols and total proteins was tested and analyzed.In addition,DPPH free radical scavenging,inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products,and inhibitory activity against elastase was measured to compare their skin care efficacy in anti-oxidation,anti-glycation,anti-wrinkling and firming.The results showed that,based on the dry weight of CJF,the content of total flavonoids and total proteins of the CJF at high altitude was approximately 1.5 times of the CJF at low altitude,while the content of total polyphenols was approximately 2.4 times that of the CJF at low altitude.The skin care efficacy of CJF at high altitude was significantly better than that of the CJF at low altitude.This work could provide theoretical basis for the selection and application of Camellia japonica flowers in the field of cosmetics.

The main causes and corresponding solutions of skin pigmentation in the body

The skin's normal color is primarily determined by the quantity and distribution of pigment,the level of hemoglobin in the skin's blood vessels,and various optical factors.Additionally,mechanical damage from clothing renders certain areas of the body more susceptible to hyperpigmentation,such as the elbows and knees.According to research,various factors such as gender and weight have been found to influence skin color.The mechanism of body skin pigmentation has been extensively studied with a particular focus on melanogenesis and related signaling pathways.Therefore,this article primarily focuses on elucidating the mechanisms governing body pigmentation while discussing strategies for managing skin whitening,encompassing influential factors and whitening methods.

Isolation and Characterization of Pepsin-Solubilized Collagen from the Skin of Black Carp (<i>Mylopharyngdon piceus</i>)

To make more effective use of underutilized resources, pepsin-solubilized collagen (PSC) was successfully extracted from the skin of black carp (Mylopharyngdon piceus) with a yield of 45.7% based on dry weight. The PSC comprising two identical α1-chains and one α2-chain with no disulfide bond was characterized as type I, and it contained 195 imino acid residues vs. 1000 amino acid residues. The collagen showed an absorption edge around 218 nm, which was lower than the maximum absorption wavelength of other PSC. The denaturation temperature of PSC was 25.6°C, which was lower than that of porcine collagen by approximately 11°C. The isoelectric point (pI) was estimated to be 8.23, and the collagen was soluble at an acidic pH as well as below 40 g/L NaCl. It is thought that the high yield and stability of PSC from the skin of black carp warrant its application as a new source of collagen for industrial purposes.