Enhancement of transdermal permeation of phycobiliprotein by nanodispersion with lipopeptide from Bacillus subtilis

Lipopeptide is used as an emulsifier to stably formulate bioactives-containing nanoparticles as a biosurfactant. Phycobilprotein (PBP) is a photosynthetic pigment with various physiological activities and is actively used for cosmetics or pharmaceuticals. This study aims to increase the transdermal delivery of PBP by forming a PBP nanodispersion in water using lipopeptide derived from Bacillus subtilis. Lipopeptide produced through B. subtilis fermentation, acid precipitation, and ethanol extraction showed low cytotoxicity and inflammation and demonstrated moisturizing and antioxidant abilities in in vitro tests. Additionally, treatment to PBP resulted in obtaining a nanodispersion depending on lipopeptide critical micelle concentration, and experimental results on 3D tissue-engineered or skin substitutes showed increased permeation compared to free PBP. This study is significant in that it demonstrates the role of lipopeptide derived from GRAS B. subtilis as a skin permeation enhancer for PBP, ensuring safety and enhancing the applicability of PBP as a cosmetic or biomedical material by improving its skin penetration.