The harnessing potential of carboxymethyl beta glucan: A driver of skin repair

Abstract

Skin continually faces stresses that compromise its structure and barrier quality, impacting skin appearance and comfort. By sustaining the main biological process of epithelisation, we could improve skin repair, thus correcting skin appearance or discomfort. A stronger barrier will ultimately lead to improvement of the skin surface smoothness, fine lines and radiance. To bolster barrier function, the cohesion of the stratum corneum involving keratinocyte transglutaminase (TGK) and filaggrin (FLG) and the stratum granulosum via tight junction proteins, is critical. Carboxymethyl beta‐glucan (CM‐BG), a water‐soluble derivative of β‐glucan, has shown promise in skin repair and anti‐ageing applications. This study investigates its wound repair potential using in vitro assays and a 3D human full‐thickness wounded skin model. The effects of CM‐BG on various skin biological processes, including inflammation, differentiation and extracellular matrix remodelling, were investigated using a range of in vitro assays. Its potential to promote wound healing, epidermal recovery and barrier function was further assessed in a 3D reconstructed skin model. These comprehensive investigations revealed CM‐BG's multifaceted actions in skin biology. Findings showed CM‐BG selectively activates Dectin‐1 receptors in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, CM‐BG exhibited anti‐inflammatory properties by inhibiting key pro‐inflammatory mediators (PGE2, IL‐12/IL‐23p40, IL‐1β) while promoting the release of anti‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐10. Additionally, CM‐BG significantly enhanced the expression of TGK, tight junction proteins (Claudin‐1, Zonula occludens‐1 and Occludin) and collagen type I. A 3D skin wound healing model confirmed these findings. CM‐BG accelerated wound repair, reduced Transepidermal Water Loss and increased epidermal/dermal thickness in the wounded area. Additionally, post‐injury, CM‐BG also showed increased expression of key markers on the 3D reconstructed skin model. These results suggest CM‐BG is a valuable topical ingredient for promoting wound healing, skin repair and mitigating skin ageing by interacting with Dectin‐1 receptors, modulating inflammation, improving skin barrier function and boosting collagen production. Further clinical studies are warranted to confirm these promising findings.