Daily Cosmetic Research Analysis

Capping materials are critical for vital pulp therapy in endodontic treatment, whereas the currently available ones remain inadequate in meeting the multiple requirements of the complex tissue defects. Herein, we report an injectable and self-setting calcium polyphosphate coacervate composite (polyP-Ca-CS) that exploits an acid neutralization mechanism based on the coacervate and chitosan, engineered for direct pulp capping. The material leverages polyP-Ca coacervate (formed through liquid-liquid phase separation) as an injectable matrix and chitosan that initiates setting via acid neutralization, enhances mechanical strength, and confers antibacterial properties. polyP-Ca-CS sets into a rigid solid under both aqueous and anhydrous conditions without significant exothermic reaction or volume change-features that are critical for clinical reliability. Mechanistic investigations reveal that neutralization of the coacervate's intrinsic acidity drives the setting, thereby advancing fundamental understanding of setting mechanisms in polyphosphate-based materials. In vitro, polyP-Ca-CS significantly boosts ATP production, mitochondrial function, cell migration, metabolic activity and odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). In a rabbit pulp exposure model, it effectively induces reparative dentin formation and preserves pulp vitality, performing comparably to commercial bioceramics. This work presents a rationally designed bioenergetic-active biomaterial that meets the complex requirements of vital pulp therapy and offers a promising alternative for regenerative endodontics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This work presents an application of a polyphosphate-based coacervate system in vital pulp therapy, opening an avenue for bioactive dental biomaterials. Besides, it elucidates that setting of the calcium polyphosphate coacervate is driven by acid neutralization, advancing fundamental insights into inorganic coacervate chemistry. The prepared calcium polyphosphate coacervate composite not only meets stringent physical requirements but also activates cellular energy metabolism. Additionally, this work also demonstrates that chitosan-a normal biopolymer-can serve as an setting initiator for inorganic coacervate systems, while simultaneously enhancing mechanical integrity and conferring antibacterial activity.

Emulsifiers are essential components in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial formulations, enabling the stabilization of immiscible phases. Among these, silicone-based surfactants offer unique advantages, including thermal stability, biocompatibility, and tunable surface activity. However, current silicone emulsifiers are predominantly linear structures, which limits precise control over interfacial organization and structure-property relationships. Cyclosiloxanes, with their well-defined cyclic architecture and potential for modification, represent an unexplored opportunity to develop emulsifiers with predictable behaviour and enhanced interfacial control. This study investigated cyclotetrasiloxanes functionalized with hydroxybenzophenone and polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups as novel emulsifying agents. Mono- and bifunctionalized derivatives were synthesized via hydrosilylation using Karstedt's catalyst and characterized by NMR, FT-IR, and contact angle measurements. Emulsions with varying water-to-oil ratios and emulsifier concentrations were evaluated for stability using centrifugation, multiple light scattering, optical microscopy, and laser diffraction over a 60 day-period. Bifunctionalized cyclosiloxanes demonstrated markedly superior emulsifying performance compared to monosubstituted analogs. Optimal stability was achieved with a 30:70 water-to-oil composition and a PEG-to-hydroxybenzophenone ratio of 3:1, resulting in emulsions with monomodal droplet distributions (mean diameter 2.2 ± 0.1 μm). The system exhibited a strongly negative zeta potential (-42.2 mV) and remained stable throughout the storage period. These findings establish functionalized cyclosiloxanes as promising emulsifiers for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and technical applications, offering a new platform for rational formulation design.

BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy are treatment options for actinic keratosis; however, their efficacy and safety remain debated. AIMS: To perform a high-quality systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy and cryotherapy in actinic keratosis. METHODS: A systematic search was performed applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, Science Direct, Ovid, EBSCO, Wiley, and Google Scholar for randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: A total of seven studies with 1233 patients were identified. PDT and cryotherapy showed similar success in clearing lesions (RR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.92-1.13; p = 0.74). While both treatments performed comparably on the head and face (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.94-1.28; p = 0.24), data from one trial suggested cryotherapy might be more effective for lesions on the arms and legs (RR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82-0.94; p < 0.05). However, more research is needed to confirm this finding. Cosmetic outcomes were significantly better for PDT (74.62% vs. 49.11%: RR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.4-1.65; p < 0.00001) than cryotherapy. Similarly, PDT was superior to cryotherapy in patient satisfaction though the overall difference was not statistically significant (RR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.91-2.25; p = 0.12). PDT was associated with a significantly higher risk of burning sensations and pain (RR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.27-3.02; p = 0.002), whereas cryotherapy more frequently led to vesicles and blisters. CONCLUSION: Lesion clearance may depend on location. It is comparable for head and face lesions, while data from one trial suggests cryotherapy may be better for extremity lesions. PDT is associated with a higher occurrence of pain/burning, while cryotherapy leads to more vesicles/blisters. Future research should focus on standardized protocols, including blinded post-treatment assessments to improve reliability and minimize bias.