Methodology

Step 01 — Understanding of objective and scope

We understand that the project included a technology scouting study for identifying skin friendly whitening agents and provide recommendations on the basis of the problems identified.

Step 02 — Database identification process

Patent databases: A comprehensive search on one or more of third-party patent databases was performed.
Non-patents databases: A comprehensive search on one or more of non-patent databases was performed.

Step 03 — Dataset extraction

Patent Dataset: Keyword/Assignee/Inventor/Class based searching (IPC, USPC, CPC), Citation searching.

Non-patent Dataset: Keyword/Company/academic/patent inventor based searching, Citation based searching.

Step 04 — Dataset analysis

We analyzed the relevant literature by performing manual analysis. While analyzing the literature, the objectives and the problem statement were taken into consideration.

We classified the relevant patent literature into a detailed taxonomy.

Step 05 — Additional Dataset Extraction

After performing dataset analysis, we identified additional datasets for the identified key players, institutions, start-ups, SMEs to analyze the dataset in the domain comprehensively.

Step 06 — Ranking of technology solutions

Ranking of technology solutions observed in the patent and non-patent dataset were used to identify top solutions approach and key recommendations. (Ranking Parameters as explained in the subsequent slide).

Step 07 — Report Preparation

Excel-Based Report provides project overview/detailed methodology, list of relevant patent, non-patent literature and products in the market.

PowerPoint Presentation showcases various trends observed from the patent and non-patent scientific literature, such as filing/publication trends, geographic origin of technology, top assignee trend, and technology trend.

Step 08 — Key Solutions / Recommendations

What are the top solutions in the domain? What are the key activities by the key players in the domain? Recommendations for licensing.

Technology Solution – Ranking

Ranking of Technology Solution

The following parameters was used to rank the various technology solutions observed in patent and non-patent dataset.

1. Natural agents or Acid / alcohol free composition

• Natural agent that would protect skin allergies in people with sensitive skin and ingredients that would not cause negative effects, such as wrinkles and peeling of the skin.
• Environmentally friendly, such as alcohol-free formulation.

2. Multi-functioning / Medicinal effects

• Additional effect of formulation other than whitening, e.g. UV protection.

3. Route of Administration / Other than Topical

• Route of administering skin whitening composition as a ranking parameter, where references were ranked based on routes other than topical, for example oral, transdermal.

4. Sustainability of Skin Whitening Composition

• Sustainability of the skin whitening agent ensures longer shelf life of the overall composition, for example one year shelf life.

Other ranking parameters:

• Recent patent and non-patent activity.
• Forward / backward citation count of patent.
• High number of geographical coverage in patents.
• Number and word count (less number of independent claims in the key patents).
• Number of citation of the non-patent scientific reference.

 

 

Peptides

Key Benefits

• Multi-functioning – skin whitening, low pigmentation, wrinkle reduction
• Varied delivery system
• Additive requirement (no harsh chemicals)
• Natural skin whitening agent

Eupenicillium crustaceum as Fungal Peptide

Microbial or Fungi peptides include peptides obtained from native microorganisms, engineered transgenic microorganisms, for example Eupenicillium crustaceum.

Overview

• A fermented extract from Eupenicillium crustaceum.
• An aqueous culture medium to produce peptides having 3400 Da molecular weight.
• The peptide ensures depigmentation or whitening or lightening of the skin, improved skin luminosity, alleviation or the prevention of the symptoms of skin aging, treatment of skin wrinkles, maintenance or improvement of skin elasticity, skin resistance, firmness or tensile strength.

Mechanism

• Promote collagen production and elastin production.
• Inhibit collagenase, tyrosinase and elastase.
• Inhibit AGEs, vascular permeability, and melanin formation.
• Promote breakdown of bilirubin in skin.
• Multiple mode of action ensures high percentage of skin whitening effect.
• Induce significant inhibition of microsphere uptake or phagocytosis of keratinocytes.

Formulation

• Sustained release delivery system, such as liposomes, oleosomes, niosomes, ethosomes, microparticles, nanoparticles.
• Formulation as emulsion, solution, aqueous dispersions, microinjections or needle-free injections by means of pressure, such as injections by oxygen pressure.
• The fermented extract is applicable for Caucasian or Asian persons above 20 years in age.

Ranking Matrix

Parameter	Ranking
Natural Source	High
Additive requirement (no harsh chemicals)	Medium
Multi-functioning	High
Number of Routes of Administration	Medium
Shelf-life / Sustainability	Unknown

 

 

Polysaccharides

Key Benefits

• Melanin production reduction
• Inflammatory dermatoses treatment
• Oral formulation
• Additive requirement (no harsh chemicals)
• Absorbs UV light

Lactulose as Non-digestible Saccharides

This category includes melbiose, raffinose, stachyose, lactulose, galacto-oligosaccharide, fructo-oligosaccharide (oligofructose) or inulin obtained from natural source.

Ranking Matrix

Parameter	Ranking
Natural Source	High
Additive requirement (no harsh chemicals)	High
Multi-functioning	Medium
Number of Routes of Administration	Low
Shelf-life / Sustainability	Unknown

Overview

• A cosmetic composition comprising non-digestible oligosaccharide (NDO), particularly lactulose.
• NDO is a carbohydrate that resists hydrolysis in the human small intestine and passes unchanged into the colon or is a carbohydrate classified as dietary fibre by AOAC Method 985.29.
• The non-digestible oligosaccharides overcome problems caused by harsh chemicals of conventionally available compositions.

Mechanism

• Inhibition of melanogenesis
• Cytokines inhibition

Formulation

• Topical application – cream, emulsion, lotion, gel, hydrogel, paste, powder, ointment, foam, soak, stick, spray, aerosol, bath oil, or solution.