Ingredients developer Gattefossé and biotech company CYTOO, which specialises in the development of physiologically-relevant cellular models and assays for High Content Screening (HCS), have initiated a two year long research project to determine the effects of screen exposure on the skin.
The two companies state they are working together to investigate mitochondrial modulation and how protection against the effects of artificial visible light exposure could work.
How the partnership works
On Gattefossé’s part, the company says it has designed unique equipment to accurately recreate the characteristic light emitted by screens of electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, PC).
From CYTOO, a specific assay has been developed: by using micropatterning technology, a method to guide cell shape and monitor cell fate, CYTOO says it has developed a High Content Screening assay.
The testing method combines precise control of human dermal fibroblast spreading and sensitive analysis of mitochondrial fusion/ fission dynamics by non-invasive live-cell imaging, the company explains.
Findings so far
CYTOO and Gattefossé have discovered that exposure to screens significantly weakens mitochondrial function and dynamics.
Fragmentation of the mitochondrial network is observed alongside loss of quality control and diminished capacity to produce ATP, the companies explain.
“Using the CYTOO model, we have been able to demonstrate that screen-emitted light has a tremendous detrimental effect on the mitochondrial network of skin fibroblasts,” said the Skin Biology Research Manager at Gattefossé, Nicolas Bechetoille. “This research highlights the need for a strategy to protect the skin from everyday artificial light.”
“Mitochondrial fission and fusion play critical roles when cells experience metabolic or environmental stresses,” confirms Luc Selig, CEO of CYTOO.
“Both companies have brought cutting-edge technologies to address a brand-new vision of biological processes implied in skin homeostasis.”