Microbiome-mediated nitrate permeation topical for facial LED therapy - ON-1253

Project type: Research
Desired discipline(s): Biochemistry / Molecular biology, Life Sciences, Medicine, Chemistry, Natural Sciences
Company: Maple Leaf Nitric Oxide Specialties Inc.
Project Length: 4 to 6 months
Preferred start date: As soon as possible.
Language requirement: English
Location(s): ON, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: PhD
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

Our organization specializes in the development and
commercialization of advanced therapeutic topical exogenous Nitric Oxide precursors.  Our core technology utilizes a patented plant-based nitrate and nitrite topical formulation.  In a randomized double-blind comparative human trial, the topical showed increases in serum NOx, decreases in Sorbitol Dehydrogenase and improving lower limb nerve speeds in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy patients. We are currently distributing our topical through a LLLT device manufacturer to improve patient outcomes and give them a recurring revenue stream.  We are interested in expanding our markets by reformulating our Nitric Oxide topical explicitly for the rapid growing light-mask technology industry.

Describe the project.: 

The goal of this research project is to validate the trans-epidermal permeation kinetics, microbiome-driven reduction, and photolytic dissociation dynamics of a new plant-based nitrate facial formulation designed to act as an optical tissue primer for anti-wrinkle LED face masks. The project will utilize human skin explants or validated skin matrices mounted on Franz Diffusion Cells to execute a phased validation road map. Phase One will analyze comparative skin kinetics across two models: Group Alpha (Live Commensal Microbiome) and Group Beta (Sterilized Control Baseline). Proving our plant-derived nitrates can successfully cross the stratum corneum during a 10–30 minute incubation window, and that surface commensal flora are the mandatory biological catalyst reducing these nitrates into nitrites. Concurrently, the candidate will execute Ellman’s Reagent (DTNB) colorimetric assays to document pre- versus post-incubation "thiol consumption". This will prove that bacteria-reduced nitrates anchor onto native tissue proteins, building a stable S-nitrosothiol "dermal nitrate sink" prior to complete formula wipe-off. Following wipe-off, Phase Two will subject the bare, primed tissue to red/near-infrared photo-biomodulation (PBM) dosimetry. High-sensitivity electrochemical micro-sensors will track real-time photo-release spikes of free vasodilatory nitric oxide gas. Validation of Nitrate-Cream and PBM Synergy on Mitochondrial Respiration. Evaluate real-time Oxygen Consumption Rate (OCR) and kinetic ATP production in ischemic ex vivo porcine skin tissue using Agilent Seahorse XF Respirometry and bioluminescence assays comparing PBM alone versus cream-plus-PBM combination.
Ultimately, this study provides the definitive kinetic data required to establish our combination cream/device application method as a benchmark in aesthetic medicine.

Required expertise/skills: 

The ideal candidate must possess an advanced background in
pharmaceutical sciences, biochemistry, or molecular dermatology. Required laboratory skills include hands- on experience setting up and opening Franz diffusion cell apparatus for trans-dermal skin permeation testing, tissue layer homogenization, and execution of sequential tape-stripping protocols. Technical expertise in analytical chemistry techniques. Specifically High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) or LC-MS/MS– is highly mandatory to
accurately quantify low abundance inorganic anions and protein
fractions in biological samples. The candidate must be fully proficient in standard colorimetric assays (such as Griess Assay and Ellman’s Reagent DTNB assay) and handling fluorescent or colorimetric microplate readers. Experience working with human skin tissue explants and maintaining microbiological culture lines of skin commensal flora, utilizing localized electrochemical micro-sensors for gas detection is considered a significant asset.