Research projects
Continuous growth is what drives us. Research, development and improvement of our methods, scientific processes and broadening our portfolio are crucial to us.
We firmly believe that very complex skin research should involve scientists from various disciplines.
This is why we play an active role in international basic research projects. We work jointly with research scientists at universities in France, Spain, Italy and Israel. The networks that have developed over the years result in a structured partnership covering many aspects of skin research (such as trace elements, copper, nanoparticles, silver).
At a national level, we work on joint projects, such as with the Fraunhofer Society. Through this national partnership and our longstanding experience, we at Dermatest® have been able to develop various secondary fields, such as 3D skin models and research on interleukin.
We strive not only to offer our customers product testing, but also to guarantee expert advice in all matters relating to dermatology, biology and food science.
AgCuDerm joint project
The aim of this joint project was the development of a production facility for the manufacture of dermatology products with the addition of electrolytically produced copper and silver ions.
Our role in the joint project consisted of researching, developing and validating formulas for tolerability in the form of user studies (in vivo/in vitro). As part of the AgCuDerm 02PK2274 project, Dermatest® GmbH was able to adapt novel, aqueous, ionic solutions for the cosmetics sector to existing test methods. Testing ionogenic solutions and topical formulations with silver and copper ions on skin models and in conclusive application tests generated fresh knowledge, and “know-how” in the laboratory was improved.
As a result, Dermatest® can use the scientific advances from this research project to offer its customers innovative tests in the dermatology testing market.
Dermatest® GmbH supported the development of this topical formulation from the perspective of safety, tolerability and efficacy using their expertise in biochemical process technology (Phenion-3D skin models, ELISA (TNF-α, IL-6, IL- 8) cryosections, H&E and fluorochrome staining (skin barrier), skin tolerance testing (patch test) as well as application studies with proof of efficacy (corneometry, D-squame tests) under dermatological testing with dermatology assessment (SCORAD).
Skin Treat
As part of the SkinTreat research project, novel approaches were investigated for the development of patient-specific skin treatments and services.
As part of SkinTreat, we looked into the development and testing of new bio and nanotech technologies intended to verify, as accurately as possible, active ingredients or active ingredient delivery vehicles for certain skin diseases and mild skin conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acute UV-related skin damage in their individual settings.
The project drove the introduction of a new generation of pharmaceutical and cosmetic product ranges and individual, customer-oriented services. Personalised skin tests were developed based on a biodermatology analysis of personal skin problems and drawing up a personalised skincare plan.
A bioinformation system is intended to support dermatologists in analysing a range of different biodermatological skin markers in order to achieve significantly improved diagnosis of personal skin problems. The diagnosis should be followed up with a prescription for a tailor-made skincare product, the formulation of which is optimised for the acute skin profile. Dermatest® played a leading role as a clinical partner within the SkinTreat consortium, and was responsible for the recruitment and characterisation of psoriatic, atopic and UV skin-damaged test subjects and the associated biological sampling.
Furthermore, one of the tasks Dermatest® took on was to use clinical testing to investigate all cosmetic pilot products for efficacy and tolerability and, additionally, to investigate product acceptance among patients/customers in a feedback analysis.
SuperFlex
Skin plays an important role throughout life in terms of body awareness and self-awareness.
It also shields against environmental effects, regulates body temperature, maintains fluid and electrolyte balance, excretes metabolic waste and plays a major role in the sensations of touch, pain and pressure.
Skin changes are one of the most visible and therefore most significant features of aging, and so also a major factor when assessing someone’s age. As society is getting older, it is becoming increasingly necessary to focus on the problems of aging skin. Skin diseases and aging skin can go hand in hand. Many clinical, histology and physiology changes in aging skin also lead to increased susceptibility to environmental effects, but also to the effects of diabetes mellitus and rosacea.
These conditions often feature mild or severe skin changes and dysfunction. Skin manifestations can often herald a definitive diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. It is believed that diabetes-related skin changes can be a marker of the severity of systemic complications. Rosacea is a long-term skin condition which often affects the face in the elderly, presenting as frequent reddening of the skin with persistent erythema and dilated blood vessels.
In the more severe stages of the condition, swelling, papules and pustules can also appear. The aim of the project was to develop and launch a modular mini-factory concept, in order to produce personalised skincare products for the aging population which could also be specific to the particular condition. As part of this project, as well as the major parameters to be looked at for aging skin with additional conditions or older skin with underlying systemic conditions, a mechanism was developed for using an individual’s data.
A practical, market-based, rapid, small manufacturing system was therefore created for the routine treatment of skin problems. This concept is cost-saving and environmentally friendly, and designed to create individual products for the older skin in question.
Specific products can now be manufactured based on profiles which take into account individual biomarker profiles and the health status of those concerned. Such personalised skincare paves the way to more effective skincare products, including in view of ever-increasing scientifically-proven variability of skin conditions, especially with increasing age.