The SARS-CoV-2-Inactivating Activity of Hydroxytyrosol-Rich Aqueous Olive Pulp Extract (HIDROX®) and Its Use as a Virucidal Cream for Topical Application

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally. Although measures to control SARS-CoV-2, namely, vaccination, medication, and chemical disinfectants are being investigated, there is an increase in the demand for auxiliary antiviral approaches using natural compounds. Here we have focused on hydroxytyrosol (HT)-rich aqueous olive pulp extract (HIDROX®) and evaluated its SARS-CoV-2-inactivating activity in vitro. We showed that the HIDROX solution exhibits time- and concentration-dependent SARS-CoV-2-inactivating activities, and that HIDROX has more potent virucidal activity than pure HT. The evaluation of the mechanism of action suggested that both HIDROX and HT induced structural changes in SARS-CoV-2, which changed the molecular weight of the spike proteins. Even though the spike protein is highly glycosylated, this change was induced regardless of the glycosylation status. In addition, HIDROX or HT treatment disrupted the viral genome. Moreover, the HIDROX-containing cream applied on film showed time- and concentration-dependent SARS-CoV-2-inactivating activities. Thus, the HIDROX-containing cream can be applied topically as an antiviral hand cream. Our findings suggest that HIDROX contributes to improving SARS-CoV-2 control measures.

Efficacy of a Protective Hand Cream versus a Conventional Cream to Improve Skin Barrier Function among Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Healthcare Workers: A Pilot Study

Background: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective procedures for preventing health care-associated infection. Barrier creams are used to prevent the irritant effect caused by occupational exposure. Objective: To compare an aluminum chlorohydrate-containing hand cream and a conventional cream in health-care workers (HCWs) by using clinical assessment score and quantitative measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Materials and Methods: A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed in pediatric intensive care unit HCWs. The subjects were assigned to regularly use the given cream (one fingertip unit per time, equal to 0.5 gram) after washing their hands with either 4% chlorhexidine gluconate or alcohol hand rub, which is 70% alcohol, glycerin, D-panthenol. The clinical assessment score, ranging from 0 to 3 points per item, were performed by the investigator evaluating for erythema, dryness, scaling, vesicles, fissuring and lichenification, and by the subject evaluating the redness, itching, tightness, dryness and sweating, together with TEWL assessment in a controlled environmental condition at day 0, 7, and 14. Results: Sixty HCWs were equally divided for each product. Barrier cream and conventional cream, amount used were 32.20 g and 26.43 g, respectively. At day 14, the clinical assessment score by the investigator and by the subject were reduced by 40.02% and 43.38% in the barrier cream group, and 35.5% and 47.83% in the conventional cream group (p<0.001. However, the TEWL in both groups was not significantly different from the baseline. Both products were well tolerated. Conclusion: The amount of cream applied by HCWs was lower than assigned. Both barrier cream and conventional cream can clinically improve the clinical score. Frequent and regular use of hand creams should be encouraged to decrease or prevent skin irritation and hand dermatitis. Keywords: Protective hand cream, Transepidermal water loss, Healthcare workers, Hand hygiene practices, Pediatric intensive care unit

Preparation and characterization of lignin-TiO2 UV-shielding composite material by induced synthesis with nanofibrillated cellulose

It is desirable to develop biodegradable ultraviolet (UV)-shielding materials from renewable resources, as the demand for sustainability is ever increasing. In this work, a novel lignin-TiO2 UV-shielding composite was synthesized successfully via a hydrothermal method induced by nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC). Comprehensive characterization showed that the lignin-TiO2@NFC composite induced by NFC had good nanoparticle size, shape, and thermal stability. The sunscreen performance of lignin-TiO2@NFC was investigated via mixture with unmodified hand cream. The UV-visible (vis) transmission spectra results revealed that the unmodified cream with 10 wt% lignin-TiO2@NFC absorbed approximately 90% of UV light in the full UV band (200 nm to 400 nm), which indicated that lignin-TiO2@NFC had a good UV-shielding ability.

Selection and Application of Synthetic versus Natural Emollients in the Formulation of Skin Care Products

Two emollient ingredients with proven sensorial properties were slected for the development of a hand cream cosmetic formulations, and comparatively analysed. A synthetic oil (Polydecene) and a natural blend (Jojoba Esters and Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax and Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax and Polyglycerin-3) were incorporated in cosmetic formulations for hand care. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality control and the cosmetic qualities of the developed formulations, comparatively, of topical applied synthetic oil versus a natural origin wax blend.