Our mission is to develop advanced microbiome-based solutions for aesthetic dermatology, aimed at improving skin appearance while supporting long-term skin health.
Leveraging our proprietary HA c-40 technology, we target the skin microbiota and its interkingdom interactions to restore skin homeostasis and support long-term disease management across pediatric and adult populations (Magnifico et al., 2020; Paller et al., 2019). Through a science-driven approach, we aim to address unmet needs in dermatology while improving patient quality of life.
PoliMick Technology
PoliMick is a proprietary macromolecular conjugate developed through an innovative patented process that chemically links a purified fragment of the beneficial bacterial cell wall derived from Cutibacterium acnes DSM 28251 to sodium hyaluronate.
Mechanism of Action
PoliMick is designed as a microbiota-modulating system that acts on skin dysbiosis and inflammation through complementary and interconnected mechanisms:
1. Protection of the skin barrier
Experimental evidence shows that PoliMick interferes with the pathogenic activity of extracellular vesicles (EVs) produced by Staphylococcus aureus, which are known to contribute to keratinocyte damage and barrier disruption. In vitro data indicate that PoliMick modifies the biophysical properties of these vesicles, increasing their size and consequently reducing their interaction with keratinocytes. This results in:
- Reduction of EV-induced cytotoxicity.
- Preservation of tight junction proteins such as zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-1 (CLDN1), essential for maintaining epidermal cohesion.
2. Modulation of interkingdom communication
PoliMick influences the activity of Cutibacterium acnes, specifically reducing porphyrin production. Porphyrins, when exposed to UV and visible light, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to oxidative stress and inflammation—a process central to Porphyr’ageing.
By reducing porphyrin levels, PoliMick indirectly limits this source of oxidative damage. More broadly, this modulation contributes to restoring microbial balance, reducing microbiota-driven inflammatory signaling, and interrupting the cycle linking dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and tissue damage.
Application in Anti-Aging and Photoprotection
The biological activity of PoliMick makes it particularly suitable for integration into next-generation anti-aging formulations and microbiome-friendly sunscreens. Exposure to solar radiation is a major factor in skin aging, as it induces the production of ROS, increases porphyrin-mediated oxidative stress, and reduces the diversity of the skin microbiota. At the same time, several UV filters commonly used in sunscreens may exert bactericidal effects, negatively impacting microbial balance.
Within this context, PoliMick enables a dual approach:
- UV-Induced Damage Protection: It contributes to protecting the skin by reducing oxidative stress and supporting barrier integrity.
- Microbiome Preservation: It helps preserve the physiological composition of the skin microbiota, preventing dysbiosis and maintaining stable host–microbe interactions even under environmental stress conditions.