Particalized Eggshell Membrane (PEM) for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Eggshell membrane (ESM) provides a physical and bioactive barrier to protect the developing embryo. Proteomics and bioinformatics analyses have revealed that the collagen-rich ESM is composed of >500 proteins with multiple functionalities. The goal of this study was to produce novel particalized ESM (PEM) with enhanced bioactivities for focused applications on positive skin health. A novel top-down method was developed to produce the PEM from table eggs, in a submicron size range. PEM exhibited dose- and size-dependent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) species. A dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity for PEM was observed in an in vitro model but no significant difference between two finest sizes. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of PEM was significantly improved by optimized chemical hydrolysis with size-dependent activity. Taken together, the eco-friendly PEM has great potential as a novel topical ingredient for cosmetics/ skincare applications.