« This patent describes an immunological technique to screen for the effects of new cosmetic or pharma actives on ECM molecules in situ.

Immunological Technique to Screen Actives
In vitro Assay Method Using Immunological Technique

Reference: U.S. Patent 9146237
Publication date: Sept. 29, 2015
Assignee: BASF Beauty Care Solutions

“This patent relates to a novel in vitro assay using molecules of the extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesized in culture for the in vitro measurement and screening of cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical actives.

According to the inventors, this invention meets the need for a technique to directly and quantitatively, in a reliable, simple, repeatable, predictive and specific manner, assay molecules of the ECM synthesized by cells in culture.

Moreover, the technique does not degrade the ECM and makes it possible to visualize and quantify the molecules studied in situ; in particular, in their functional forms to study interactions with other molecules of the ECM.

According to the disclosure, by carrying out a specific step of lysis of cells in culture, and of assaying the molecules of interest directly on the ECM, the method provides a technical solution to problems in the prior art. In addition, it is rapid, suitable for miniaturization and permits the screening of a large number of ingredients in a form that can be automated.”