• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.41-53
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• 2023

E171, a mixture of titanium dioxide, has been widely used as a food additive due to its whitening effect and low toxicity. However, it has been proven that E171 is no longer safe for public health. So far, there are insufficient studies on the toxic effects of E171 on organisms especially using standardized test methods. In this study, toxicity assessments of E171 to two aquatic species, water flea (Daphnia magna) and zebrafish (Danio rerio), were performed using modified standardized test methods based on the physicochemical properties of E171. The hydrodynamic diameter, polydispersity index, and turbiscan stability index (TSI) were measured to ensure the dispersion stability of E171 in exposure media during the test period. The EC₅₀ for immobilization of water flea was 141.7 mg L^-1 while zebrafish was not affected until 100 mg L^-1 of E171. Measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzyme activities confirmed that E171 induced oxidative stress, leading to the activation of superoxide dismutase and catalase in both water flea and zebrafish, although the expression of antioxidant enzyme genes differed between species. These results suggested the potential risk of E171 to aquatic organisms and provided toxicological insights into the impacts of E171 on the environment.

• Journal of Korean Society of Industrial and Systems Engineering
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.15-22
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• 2023

BNKT Ceramics, one of the representative Pb free based piezoelectric ceramics, constitutes a perovskite(ABO3) structure. At this time, the perovskite structure (ABO3) is in the form where the corners of the octahedrons are connected, and in the unit cell, two ions, A and B, are cations, A ion is located at the body center, B ion is located at each corner, and an anion O is located at the center of each side. Since Bi, Na, and K sources constituting the A site are highly volatile at a sintering temperature of 1100℃ or higher, it is difficult to maintain uniformity of the composition. In order to solve this problem, there should be suppression of volatilization of the A site material or additional compensation of the volatilized. In this study, the basic composition of BNKT Ceramics was set to Bi_0.5(Na_0.78K_0.22)_0.5TiO₃ (= BNKT), and volatile site (Bi, Na, and K sources) were coated in the form of a shell to compensate additionally for the A site ions. In addition, the physical and electrical properties of BNKT and its coated with shell additives(= @BNK) were compared and analyzed, respectively. As a result of analyzing the crystal structure through XRD, both BNKT(Core) and @BNK(Shell) had perovskite phases, and the crystallinity was almost similar. Although the Curie temperature of the two sintered bodies was almost the same (TC = 290 ~ 300 ℃), it was confirmed that the d33 (piezoelectric coefficient) and Pr (residual polarization) values were different. The experimental results indicated that the additional compensation for a shell additive causes the coarsening, resulting in a decrease in sintering density and Pr(remanent polarization). However, coating shell additives to compensate for A site ion is an effective way to suppress volatilization. Based on these experimental results, it would be the biggest advantage to develop an eco-friendly material (Lead-free) that replaced lead (Pb), which is harmful to the human body. This lead-free piezoelectric material can be applied to a biomedical device or products(ex. earphones (hearing aids), heart rate monitors, ultrasonic vibrators, etc.) and skin beauty improvement products (mask packs for whitening and wrinkle improvement).

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• v.50
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• pp.200-206
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• 2023

Although softwoods are widely distributed in Korea and used in various industries, studies are limited and comparative research on softwoods has been overlooked. Therefore, in this study, the physiological activity of four species of softwoods found in Korea was quantified. Needles and cones of Pinus densiflora, Chamaecyparis obtusa, Cryptomeria japonica, and Abies koreana were collected, and material was extracted using 70% methanol. We quantified the following physiological traits: total phenol and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (DPPH, TEAC, FRAP), and inhibitory activity of the enzymes α-glucosidase, elastase, and tyrosinase. Total phenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities were high in Chamaecyparis obtusa and Cryptomeria japonica, and α-glucosidase inhibition activity was highest in the leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa. Elastase inhibitory activity was high in the leaves and cones of Pinus densiflora and the cones of Abies koreana, and tyrosinase inhibitory activity was highest in the leaves of Pinus densiflora. In Korea, softwoods are planted extensively on roadsides and as windbreaks, and they are highly competitive in supplying raw materials since they are pruned every year. Based on the results of this study, softwoods are considered suitable for use in healthcare products, diabetes products, wrinkles, and whitening cosmetics.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2024

We evaluated the efficacy of Geranium thunbergii (GT), which has so far been understudied as a cosmetic material, and conducted anti-inflammatory-related activity studies. We measured the electron donation ability and ABTS⁺ radical scavenging ability to confirm the antioxidant ability of GT and found values of 91% and 94% at a concentration of 50 ㎍/ml, respectively, confirming that GT had excellent antioxidant ability. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity was measured to evaluate whitening activity, and it was found that inhibitory activity was 24.8% at the highest concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml. Elastase and collagenase inhibitory activity were measured to determine the wrinkle improvement activity of the GT; 30.6% and 90% inhibitory activity were shown at the highest concentration of 1,000 ㎍/ml, respectively. Excellent inhibitory activity was confirmed through the measurement of collagenase inhibitory activity. Before the cell experiments were conducted, the survival rate of the macrophages Raw 264.7 according to GT treatment was determined based on the MTT assay, and the cell survival rate was greater than 83.6% at a concentration of 100 ㎍/ml. Subsequent cell-related experiments were conducted at concentrations of 100 ㎍/ml or less. The NO production inhibitory activity according to the GT treatment by NO assay was measured, and a 74.9% inhibitory rate was confirmed at a concentration of 100 ㎍/ml. Western blotting was performed to determine protein expression inhibition, and both COX-2 and iNOS factors were concentration-dependently inhibited in GT. Based on these results, GT is considered to have potential as an anti-inflammatory functional cosmetic material.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.307-314
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• 2024

Broussonetia kazinoki twig extract (BKT) is recognized for its antioxidant and anti-cancer effects and natural whitening properties. So, it is used as a raw material for cosmetics. B. kazinoki twig is also an edible raw material. B. kazinoki has been used in Asia for paper production and oriental medicine, has anti-diabetic effects, and contains various flavonoids and alkaloids. In this study, to evaluate the efficacy of BKT on allergic skin inflammatory responses, we investigated its effects on factors related to skin inflammation in HaCaT keratinocytes and allergic responses in RBL-2H3 cells. There was no cytotoxicity of the 70% ethanol extract against HaCaT and RBL-2H3 cells. In HaCaT cells, stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-𝛼) and interferon-gamma (IFN-𝛾) increased the production of several chemokines, including thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC), and regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). However, it was observed that this elevation was notably mitigated in a concentration-dependent manner upon treatment with BKT. Furthermore, BKT treatment demonstrated a significant reduction of 𝛽-hexosaminidase and inflammatory cytokines TNF-𝛼 and IL-4 in IgE-sensitized RBL-2H3 cells. Thus, it is expected that BKT can be used as a natural cosmetic and food ingredient that effectively suppresses allergic inflammatory reactions.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.66
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• pp.39-45
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• 2023

Biorenovation is a biotransformation method that converts the structure of chemical compounds and natural product through biocatalytic metabolism of microorganism and could enhance biological effectiveness and mitigate cytotoxicity compared to its substrates. Althaea rosea L. has been used as oriental medicine and is known for physiological efficacies such as antiurolithiatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activities. A. rosea L. callus, the plant tissue grown to protect its wound, has been reported to have antioxidant and whitening effects. However, mechanisms of its other activity such as inflammation have not yet been investigated. In this study, we extracted A. rosea L. callus (AR) and produced biorenovated AR (ARBR), and then analyzed anti-inflammatory effect in Lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage at 50, 100, 200 ㎍/mL of ARBR. As a result of inhibition test of nitric oxide production, it was found that ARBR was superior to AR without apparent toxicity. Furthermore, ARBR significantly inhibited production of prostaglandin E₂, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2 and pro-inflammatory cytokines including Tumor necrosis factor-α, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1β in a concentration-dependent manner. In conclusion, we suggest that ARBR could regulate the excessive inflammatory response to an appropriate level and be a promising material for functional cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.166-173
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• 2024

Steroids have a temporary skin improvement and whitening effect by controlling vasodilation, but they also cause side effects when used for a long time. Therefore, steroids were designated and managed as raw materials that cannot be used in cosmetics in Korea. However, steroids are continuously being detected in cosmetics, causing social issues. In this study, we developed a certified reference material (CRM) for the determination of steroids such as hydrocortisone in cosmetics. A cream-type cosmetic CRM was manufactured and subsequently certified following the guidelines outlined in ISO Guide 35. Homogeneity, short-term stability, and long-term stability were evaluated using isotope dilution mass spectrometry (ID-MS). The certified values were determined by using NIST's primary reference material to ensure traceability. From now on, we intend to supply the certified reference material as a cosmetic CRM to national and international companies, as well as research institutes after certification as certified reference material from KOLAS and registering on COMAR.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.357-363
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• 2011

In this study, the antioxidative effects and inhibitory activities on tyrosinase of Rheum undulatum (R.undulatum) L. extracts were investigated. 50 % ethanol extract, ethyl acetate and aglycone fractions of R. undulatum L. were used in experiments. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activities ($FSC_{50}$) of R. undulatum L. extracts was lower than (+)-${\alpha}$-tocopherol, known as a typical antioxidant. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activities ($OSC_{50}$) of aglycone fraction on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/$H_2O_2$ system using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay showed the most prominent effect at a concentration of $0.265\;{\mu}g/mL$. The cellular protective effects of extract/fractions of R. undulatum L. on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were increased in a concentration dependent manner ($1{\sim}50\;{\mu}g/mL$). Especially, aglycone fraction in $10\;{\mu}g/mL$ concentration showed the most protective effect among extracts (${\tau}_{50}$, 757.0 min). The inhibitory effects ($IC_{50}$, $11.20\;{\mu}g/mL$) on tyrosinase of aglycone fraction was much higher than arbutin ($226.88\;{\mu}g/mL$), known as a whitening agent. These results indicate that R. undulatum L. extracts can be used as antioxidant. Particularly, aglycone fraction of R. undulatum L. showed superior antioxdative activity and high inhibitory effect on tyrosinase. Therefore, aglycone fraction of R. undulatum L. could be applicable to new functional cosmetics.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.309-318
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• 2011

In this study, the antioxidative effect, antibacterial, inhibitory effects on tyrosinase, inhibitory effects on elastase and component analysis of Phellinus linteus (P. linteus) extracts were investigated. The ethyl acetate fraction of P. linteus extracts ($2.94\;{\mu}g/mL$) showed the highest free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging activity ($FSC_{50}$). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity ($OSC_{50}$) of P. linteus extracts on ROS generated in $Fe^{3+}$-EDTA/$H_2O_2$ system was investigated using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay. The ethyl acetate fraction ($0.0072\;{\mu}g/mL$) showed the most prominent ROS scavenging activity. The protective effects of extract/fractions of P. linteus extracts on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. The P. linteus extracts showed cellular membrane protective effects in a concentration dependent manner ($5{\sim}50\;{\mu}g/mL$). The inhibitory effect ($IC_{50}$) on tyrosinase of P. linteus extract was the highest at 50 % ethanol extract ($6.34\;{\mu}g/mL$), and the inhibitory effect ($IC_{50}$) on elastase of P. linteus was the highest at ethyl acetate fraction ($14.08\;{\mu}g/mL$). TLC, HPLC chromatogram and LC/ESI-MS of the ethyl acetate fraction obtained from P. linteus extracts were identified interfungin A (PL RPT-1a). These results indicate that extract/fractions of P. linteus can function as antioxidants in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to UV radiation by scavenging ROS, and protect cellular membranes against ROS. Extract/fractions of P. linteus can be applicable to new cosmeceuticals for antioxidant, antiaging, antiwrinkle and whitening.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.365-371
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• 2014

In the present study, we investigated the biological activities of Xylosma congesta leaf ethanol extract (XCO) using a variety of in vitro and cell culture model systems for anti-melanogenic, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities. First, XCO markedly inhibited ${\alpha}$-melanocyte stimulating hormone-stimulated melanin synthesis in B16F10 cells. Secondly, XCO marginally induced procollagen synthesis in CCD-986SK cells. Thirdly, XCO dose-dependently suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 cells. XCO did not affect cell viability at different concentrations used in this study, indicating that XCO-mediated inhibition of melanin, procollagen and NO synthesis is not mediated by cytotoxicity. Finally, XCO was found to exert anti-oxidant effect. Taken together, these findings demonstrate for the first time that XCO possesses anti-melanogenic, anti-wrinkle, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities, and suggest further evaluation and development of XCO as a functional supplement or cosmetic that may be useful for whitening skin, reducing wrinkles and treating inflammatory responses.