87833 - Bioactive Compounds In Cosmetics

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student should have a sufficient understanding of the molecular mechanisms of action of cosmetic bioactive compounds, and about the different kinds of bonds and steric factors involved in the interactions between the cosmetic bioactive compounds and the different biological targets. He should know the main chemical transformations, which can occur on these kinds of compounds by the metabolic reactions. He should be able to apply their knowledge to understand the chemical and physical properties, mechanisms of action, structure-activity relationships of different cosmetic bioactive compounds, which will be introduced and illustrated during the course.

Course contents

Definition of Cosmeceutical. False information and the scientific approach.
Principles of pharmacokinetics: absorption, distribution, metabolism (Phase I and Phase II reactions), excretion of bioactive compounds and related environmental issues.
Interactions of bioactive compounds with various biological targets: description of the different chemical bonds involved, the structures of the various targets, and their activation.
Molecular mechanisms of bioactive compounds.
Biological targets in the epidermis: intracellular and membrane receptors, and enzymes.
Influence of steric factors on the activity of bioactive compounds: optical (chirality), geometric, and conformational isomerism.

SPECIFIC TOPICS

Oils: different types and main cosmeceutical ingredients

Flavonoids: different types and main cosmeceutical ingredients

Skin-whitening agents

Antioxidant agents for the skin

Anti-inflammatory agents for the skin

Anti-aging agents for the skin

Microalgae in cosmetics

Peptides as cosmeceuticals

Future perspectives in cosmeceuticals

 

Readings/Bibliography

Leslie Baumann, Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Ingredients, Mc Graw Hill Education, 2015, ISBN: 978-0-07-179398-8

Zoe Diana Draelos, Cosmeceuticals, Elsevier, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-323-29869-8

M. Varinia Michalun, Joseph C. Dinardo, Milady Dictionary, Cengage Learning, 2015, ISBN: 978-1-285-06079-8

Teaching methods

Lectures and in class activities.

Assessment methods

At the end of the course, each student is invited to present a short report on a possible cosmetic formulation, based on bioactive compounds described in the scientific literature.

The final grade will be based on the quality of the report and the student’s ability to answer questions posed by the instructor during the presentation, relating to topics covered in the course.

Online registration via AlmaEsami is mandatory.

Students with Specific Learning Disorders (SLD) and Temporary/Permanent Disabilities: it is recommended to contact the University Office in charge in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en). The office will be responsible for proposing any necessary accommodations to the interested students. These accommodations must be submitted to the course Professor for approval at least 15 days in advance. The Professor will assess their suitability, also in light of the course's learning objectives.

Teaching tools

The teaching material (slides) presented during classes is available on the Virtuale platform.

Office hours

See the website of Elisa Uliassi