Development of a prototype topical sunscreen with bioactive compounds from Solanum tuberosum and Phyllanthus acuminatus for the prevention of skin cancer

This project proposes the development of an innovative sunscreen formulated with bioactive compounds from two plant species of interest: Phyllanthus acuminatus, a native Costa Rican plant with recognized antioxidant activity and chemopreventive potential, and Solanum tuberosum (potato), whose bioactive fractions have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and skin barrier-restoring properties. The combination of both extracts will result in a broad-spectrum functional dermocosmetic product focused on preventing skin damage induced by UV radiation, including aspects of photoaging, dermal inflammation, and oxidative stress. The Biotechnology Research Center (CIB) of the Technological Institute of Costa Rica has developed a solid biotechnological platform for the in vitro cultivation of hairy roots of Phyllanthus acuminatus, a native species with high phytochemical potential. The research group's work has made it possible to establish optimized protocols for genetic induction with Agrobacterium rhizogenes, liquid culture under controlled conditions, and elicitation with methyl jasmonate and salicylic acid, achieving a significant increase in the production of secondary metabolites such as phyllanthosides, lignans, and polyphenols with antitumor and antioxidant potential. On the other hand, the Costa Rican company Biotopika has proven biotechnological experience in the formulation and marketing of dermocosmetic products based on plant extracts. In particular, it has developed a topical formulation against atopic dermatitis using bioactive potato extract, which has been previously standardized. The company has expertise in cosmetic matrix stabilization, regulatory testing, and market validation.

El objetivo del proyecto es desarrollar un prototipo de crema fotoprotectora que combine extractos bioactivos de Phyllanthus acuminatus y Solanum tuberosum, maximizando el efecto sinérgico antioxidante, antiinflamatorio y protector frente a radiación UV. Para lograrlo, se integrarán las capacidades del CIB en producción y caracterización de extractos, así como la elaboración de las pruebas sobre líneas celulares de la piel y con la experiencia de Biotopika en formulación tópica y desarrollo comercial.

Aplicaciones Biomédicas-Vegetal-Bioprocesos