Antarcticine ^TM - Clinical test information

Scientifically, it is known as Pseudoalteromonas ferment extract and is the extract of the fermentation process of Pseudoalteromonas Antarctica NF₃ and is classed as a biological product which is used as a humectant as well as a humectant skin-conditioning agent.

Typical colony of NF₃

Antarcticine is the trade marked name of this ingredient. It is a glycoprotein e tripeptide-1 molecule, which is a peptide containing the following three amino acid residues: glycine, histidine and lysine. It is classed as a protein derivative and is used as a skin-conditioning agent.

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• Increased moisturizing of the skin
• Increased collagen
• Increase of elastin formation
• Protection from cold weather and dryness
• Reduction of wrinkles
• Adhesion to human dermal fibroblasts

It is obtained as an exopolymer, which is formed during cell growth on a gelatin base, of the Pseudoalteromonas Antarctica NF3 bacteria.

Although Antarcticine itself is not a bacteria, it is derived from a new type of bacteria found at the bottom of a glazier at Inset Admiralty bay (King George island, South Shetland Island, Antarctica), which was patented by the Spanish biotech firm, Lipotec.

The resultant exopolymer showed the most amazing benefits when used in skin care preparations. ^{Reference 75}

Extensive tests also showed that Antarcticine has no negative side effect or any toxic effect, neither did it cause any irritation.

This exciting new discovery showed in clinical tests to:

• Increase collagen production, that leads to a healthier and younger looking skin
• Lessen wrinkles and lines, which translates into a younger looking face
• Increase elastin formation, which causes a more vital and elastic skin
• Reduce damage by cold weather, causing less environmental stress in cold weather
• Increase hydration and moisture in the skin, which helps to rehydrate the skin
• Improve healing of skin, that translates into a rapid repair action to any damaged skin

Increased moisturizing of the skin

During a study of healthy female volunteers, the hydration levels of the skin were studied and measured by epicutaneous route using corneometry. This study showed that the Antarcticine containing cream resulted in an increase of 45% hydration compared to the reference cream used.

Increase of collagen

An in vitro test was performed with reconstituted human skin, using the Dot Blot method on human keratocytes, on a nourishing layer of fibroblast on a cellular 3T3.

Both Collagen type I and IV were tested for and the result showed a staggering average increase of 128% in type I and a 81% increase in type IV collagen, after 15 days of use.

Increase of elastin formation

The results of an in vitro test, also using reconstituted human skin and making use of the Western-Blot method, was quantified by electrophoresis on poly-crylamide gel.

These results showed an increase of elastin levels of 4% after 15 days, 16% after 7 days and 31% after 15 days, when used at a higher concentration.

Protection from cold weather and dryness

The performance of Antarcticine was tested during different freeze-drying processes and was shown to depress the freezing point of several simulated skin devices extended on an osmometer.

It affects the morphology of ice crystals, which was thought to have been exclusive to the effect that some proteins have in Antarctic fish, which prevent them from freezing.

This unique ability makes this a superb ingredient to use in order to prevent dryness under extreme cold conditions.

Reduction of wrinkles

Imprints of crows' feet around the eye area were obtained from human volunteers before testing and then again after 30 days.

The differences were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy to evaluate the progression of the skin's surface. This statistical data was used to reconstruct the optical three dimensional images of the tests done, giving a before treatment image and then an after treatment image.

After 15 days, the tests showed a decrease in wrinkle depth of 30%, and the average reduction of wrinkle depth was 44% after the 30-day test period.

	Before test	After test
View from top
View from side

Healing effect

An in vitro test was performed on co-cultures of human keratinocytes where a linear wound was induced.

After three days, the test that contained Antarcticine, clearly showed the creation and formation of keratinocytes, which indicates wound healing.

In the photos below, a person can clearly see the difference in the tests where Antarcticine is present.

	Day 0	Day 3	Day 7
Control
Antarcticine