Introduction
Biotechnology is a multifaceted field of science that harnesses biological systems, living organisms, or their derivatives to develop products, processes, and solutions that benefit society. At its core, biotechnology utilizes the principles of biology, chemistry, and engineering to manipulate biological processes for practical applications. This includes techniques such as genetic engineering, tissue culture, fermentation, and bioinformatics.
In recent years, the skincare industry has seen a significant shift towards the use of biotechnology to develop innovative and sustainable solutions. Biotechnology, particularly with respect to the use of plant-based active ingredients derived from plant stem cells, as compared to extracting the ingredients from the physical plants itself, has revolutionized the way skincare products are made from the perspective of sustainability.
Sustainability refers to the responsible and ethical use of biological resources and processes to minimize environmental impact, conserve natural resources, and promote long-term viability. By integrating sustainability into biotechnological processes, we can ensure that advancements in biotechnology benefit both present and future generations without compromising environmental integrity. If you’ve ever wondered, “What is biotechnology for a sustainable future?”, this article is for you as it will introduce you to the fascinating world of biotechnology to show you how it is transforming the skincare industry and the impact it’s having on sustainability. [1]
What is Biotech? – Biotechnology Definition [2]
If someone wanted to define biotechnology they might describe it as inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on principles and methodologies from biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and computer science which helps it tackle complex challenges from multiple scientific perspectives. For example, genetic engineering techniques borrowed from molecular biology are used to modify organisms for various purposes, while bioinformatics employs computer science to analyze biological data. The combination of these diverse scientific disciplines allows the field biotechnology to develop innovative solutions that address societal needs in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, energy, and environmental conservation.
What are Examples of Biotechnology Benefits?
In General
Imagine bio technology as being a kind of scientific toolkit which can be used to create a wide range of applications across numerous industries such as healthcare, agriculture, food production, environmental conservation, and industrial manufacturing. In healthcare, biotechnology plays a crucial role in drug discovery, personalized medicine, and therapeutic development. For example, biotechnological advancements have led to the development of recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapies that are revolutionizing the treatment of diseases.
In Agriculture
In agriculture, biotechnology contributes to crop improvement, pest management, and sustainable farming practices. Techniques such as genetic modification and genome editing are used to develop crops with enhanced yield, nutritional value, and resilience to environmental stressors. In addition, biotechnology enables the production of biofuels, bioplastics, and other renewable resources which offer alternatives to fossil fuel and conventional materials like non-biodegradable plastics whose micro- and nano-plastic particles have contaminated our foods, water sources, and the air we breathe.
In Skincare
When it comes to skincare, biotechnology has emerged as a driving force behind innovation and sustainability. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, skincare companies can develop products that deliver superior results while minimizing environmental impact. For example, biotechnological techniques are used to extract and purify natural ingredients from plants, ensuring potency and efficacy without the need for extensive cultivation or harvesting.
Moreover, biotechnology enables the production of nature-identical ingredients through fermentation processes, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional extraction methods. These ingredients, derived from plant stem cells or microorganisms, mimic the properties of their botanical (plant) counterparts while reducing the ecological footprint associated with plant cultivation. In short, biotechnology in skincare prioritizes efficacy, safety, and environmental responsibility, catering to the growing demand for eco-friendly and ethically sourced beauty products.
The Role of Plant Stem Cells
Traditionally, plant-based ingredients for skincare products have been obtained through extraction methods such as solvent (liquid) extraction, steam distillation, and cold pressing (think grapes for wine making). While these methods have been effective in isolating active compounds from the plants, they often come with limitations. For example, solvent extraction may leave behind trace amounts of harmful solvents, steam distillation can degrade heat-sensitive compounds, and the labor-intensiveness of cold pressing can lead to environmental degradation through deforestation and habitat destruction.
Bioreactors used to make nature-identical ingredients from plant cells are controlled environments designed to facilitate biological processes, such as fermentation, on a large scale. During the fermentation process, plant cells are cultured in bioreactors under carefully controlled conditions which enable the production of large quantities of pure and potent nature-identical bioactive compounds in a controlled and efficient manner without the need for land-intensive agriculture.
What are 3 benefits of biotechnology?
- Purity and Potency
Nature-identical ingredients derived from biotechnology offer several advantages over traditional plant-based ingredients. For example, by deriving skincare active ingredients from fermented plant stem cells, skincare formulations can achieve higher levels of purity and potency. This means that the active compounds are more concentrated and effective, resulting in enhanced benefits for the skin. Moreover, the controlled production process minimizes the presence of impurities and contaminants, ensuring greater product safety and reliability.
- Unlimited Availability
Unlike traditional extraction methods which rely on a finite supply of botanical (plant) resources, biotechnology provides a sustainable and easily reproduceable solution for sourcing skincare active ingredients. The ability to cultivate plant stem cells in bioreactors offers a consistent and virtually unlimited supply of high-quality key compounds. This not only reduces the pressure on natural ecosystems but also supports the long-term availability of these valuable skin-benefiting ingredients.
- Environmental Conservation
The shift towards biotechnology in skincare formulation aligns with broader sustainability goals. By reducing the reliance on agricultural cultivation and wild harvesting, this approach contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and natural habitats. In addition, the efficient use of resources and energy in bioreactor-based production minimizes the ecological footprint associated with traditional plant-based ingredient sourcing.
In essence, biotechnology has emerged as a powerful force for positive change, offering sustainable solutions to age-old challenges. Hence, the above-mentioned benefits provide context when answering the question of “How has biotechnology impacted our environment and society?” In addition to these benefits, it also fosters economic growth by driving innovation and creating opportunities for green technologies which benefit our planet while also empowering communities and economies worldwide.
Examples of Successful Biotech-Derived Skincare Ingredients [3]
Squalane
Squalane is a lightweight and non-greasy moisturizing oil that is naturally found in the skin. Traditionally, squalane has been sourced from shark liver oil. However, in recent years, biotechnology has enabled the production of squalane from renewable plant sources such as sugarcane. Through fermentation processes, microorganisms can convert plant-based sugars into squalane, resulting in a sustainable and cruelty-free alternative to this traditional source.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating molecule that also occurs naturally in the skin, helping it to maintain moisture and elasticity. While hyaluronic acid was traditionally sourced from animal tissues or synthesized chemically, biotechnology has now revolutionized its production. Through microbial fermentation processes, highly pure hyaluronic acid can be produced in large quantities using bacteria such as Streptococcus zooepidemicus making it a popular and effective skincare ingredient due to its moisturizing and plumping effects.
Peptides
Peptides, prized for their ability to stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, are short chains of amino acids that play a crucial role in various biological processes. Traditionally, peptides have been sourced from natural protein sources such as collagen-rich animal tissues. Today, advances in biotechnology have enabled the synthesis of specific skincare-benefiting peptides from genetically engineered microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast.
These examples illustrate how biotechnology has transformed the skincare industry by providing sustainable and ethically sourced alternatives to traditional ingredients. By harnessing the power of biotechnology, skincare companies can offer products that are not only effective but also environmentally responsible.
Biotech Skin-Gut-Brain Solutions for Life
As a biotech-centric company that appreciates the unique nature of each person’s skin, Codex Labs has decided to employ a paradigm shifting biotech-focused approach to understanding the biology of the human body itself, to develop innovative scientific strategies on how best to manage and care for an individual’s skin. To enhance both the health and appearance of skin, Codex has come to realize that an integrative approach that simultaneously evaluates (i) the skin, plus (ii) the body’s gut microbiome, as well as (iii) the emotional well-being of an individual, is required to achieve optimal skin health results. This trifecta of biological variables, when addressed in combination, represents Codex Labs’ innovative skin-gut-brain axis road map which we used to create the first of its kind telehealth platform called SGBNET®.
When it comes to the skin itself, Codex Labs employs a biotech-based tool referred to as gene expression testing to determine which active ingredients, and combinations thereof, can yield biological benefits relating to skin hydration, skin barrier repair and maintenance, inflammation reduction/management, and sebum control. For example, certain ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid have been shown to enhance skin hydration and reinforce the skin barrier. By using gene expression testing, researchers can identify other ingredients, and/or combinations thereof, that work in tandem with these key ingredients to further amplify their effects.
Similarly, microbiome testing offers valuable insights into skin health by analyzing the diverse communities of microorganisms that reside in a person’s gut and inhabit the surface of their skin. By identifying the composition and balance of these microbial communities, researchers can gain a deep understanding of how they influence various skin conditions like acne, eczema (atopic dermatitis), and aging. By leveraging microbiome testing, individuals can implement targeted/personalized skincare routines with ingredients that promote skin health and vitality from the inside out.
Lastly, a person’s emotional wellbeing significantly influences their skin’s health and appearance via various physiological and psychological mechanisms. Stress, anxiety, and negative emotions trigger the release of stress hormones like cortisol which can disrupt the skin’s natural balance, leading to increased sebum (oil) production, inflammation, and impaired skin barrier function. In addition, emotional distress can lead to poor lifestyle habits (think diet, sleep, and exercise), and contribute to habits like skin picking/scratching which can cause physical damage to the skin and worsen conditions like acne or eczema.
Understanding the biology associated with the skin-gut-brain axis reveals the intricate interplay between the gut microbiome, the central nervous system, and the skin, by highlighting how each component influences the other’s health and function. By recognizing and understanding this interconnected system, Codex Labs has been able to develop integrative/holistic strategies and products that address not only external factors but also internal imbalances that impact skin health and appearance. In short, skincare products and routines informed by the skin-gut-brain axis enable the optimization of gut health, stress management, and overall well-being which leads to improved skin health and a radiant complexion.
DNA Testing – Codex Labs’ Code-Cracking Biotech Tool [4]
Because Codex Labs knows that everyone’s skin is unique, it’s imperative to try and first identify how/where/what a person’s skin is lacking prior to crafting a solution for treating it. For instance, imagine a doctor attempting to effectively treat a specific medical condition with only the most minimal information, i.e., my body hurts. It is for this reason that Codex Labs has developed at-home DNA testing kits for cracking an individual’s unique genetic code to develop personalized skincare products and strategies.
By examining specific genetic markers, these kits can provide personalized recommendations for skincare regimens, sun protection, and lifestyle modifications tailored to an individual’s genetic makeup and predispositions. For example, genetic variations in genes related to collagen metabolism can influence skin elasticity and wrinkle formation. Individuals with certain genetic variants may be prone to premature aging and, hence, may benefit from targeted interventions such as skin barrier-boosting treatments or antioxidant-rich skincare products.
In short, Codex Labs’ at-home DNA testing kits offer a unique opportunity for individuals to gain personalized actionable insights into their skin health and appearance based on their unique genetic makeup. By leveraging the power of biotechnology, these kits, and the biological insights they provide empower consumers to make informed decisions about their skincare routines and lifestyle choices to promote healthier, more youthful looking skin.
Conclusion
Biotechnology has changed sustainability in many sectors - including skin care. It offers sustainable solutions that are in line with environmental and ethical considerations. The use of plant stem cells and fermentation in bioreactors makes it possible to create nature-identical ingredients that are pure, effective and available in unlimited quantities. This transformative approach not only enhances the quality and efficacy of skincare products, but also reflects a commitment to responsible practices and conservation.
We are Codex Labs, a biotechnology company that champions sustainability and innovation. Experience the transformative power of our skincare products, many of which use active ingredients based on plant biotechnology.
You'll find them in our products from the BIA® dry skin collection, the anti-aging ANTU® collection and SHAANT® for oily, acne-prone skin.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3352250/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7119977/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2581859/
