EN 
Interview with Ariadna Grau Campistany, PhD, R&D Manager, LipoTrue
Ariadna Grau Campistany, PhD
R&D Manager, LipoTrue
Can you explain how Cellaigie™ leverages Autophagic Intelligence to target mTOR and induce metaTORphosis, and why this process is critical for cellular renewal?
Cellaigie exerts a controlled modulation of mTOR activity, preventing its aging-induced overactivation while maintaining its essential function. This intelligent modulation of mTOR signalling induces a transformative state in the cell (metaTORphosis) that is characterized by enhanced cellular clearance through autophagy, energy conservation and repair. This autophagic intelligence is crucial for tissue renewal by removing damaged components and recycling them to create new cellular components, repair the cell and produce energy.
In what ways does Cellaigie™ mimic the benefits of fasting at the cellular level, and how does this mechanism translate to improved skin luminosity, reduced wrinkles, and overall anti-aging effects?
Intermittent fasting is known to contribute to longevity by lowering glucose levels and amino acids, with the consequent inactivation of mTOR protein. Cellaigie mimics this biological effect by directly inhibiting mTOR signalling through its binding to the active site of this kinase. This modulation of mTOR activity promotes a resting state in the cell and the increase in autophagic rate that helps the cell to eliminate all dysfunctional proteins and organelles (e.g. mitochondria) that can impair cellular functionality. This clearance process is directly linked to an improvement of the skin's antioxidant system and the prevention of cellular senescence that is reflected in vivo with an amelioration of skin luminosity, wrinkles, firmness and elasticity.
Given the role of mTOR in balancing cell growth and restorative processes, what scientific evidence supports the use of mTOR modulation as a strategy to enhance cellular longevity and reduce senescence markers?
mTOR protein is a key regulator of aging and its inhibition is a promising strategy to reduce senescence and increase lifespan. Evidence of this include the activation of the autophagic rate or the abrogation of the senescent associated secretory phenotype (SASP) upon inhibition of mTOR signalling.
It is known that autophagy declines with age and this results in the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles such as mitochondria, that accumulates in the cell, reducing its efficiency and inducing cellular aging. Recovering this clearance mechanisms help to optimize cellular function preventing senescence.
mTOR is also known to regulate senescence associated secretory phenotype, which leads to inflammation and propagation of senescence to neighbouring cells. Reduction of SASP may help promoting longevity.
How do strategies like Fasting and High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) integrate with the biohacking approach of Cellaigie™, and what advantages does this combined approach offer for optimizing cellular health and smart skincare?
It is known that strategies like High intensity interval training or intermittent fasting suppress mTOR signalling. In the case of HIIT, it happens during recovery after a period of high energy demand. In the case of intermittent fasting, it is due to the lowering of glucose levels and amino acid availability. Cellaigie mimics these biological effects through its inhibitory action on mTOR signalling, with the consequent activation of intelligent clearance mechanisms that help to optimize cellular function preventing senescence, which is one of the main hallmarks of aging. This autophagic intelligence will consequently have a benefit on skin care, impacting cellular function at all layers of the skin and boosting glow, firmness and elasticity.
What sets Se(HA)+™ apart from traditional hyaluronic acid in terms of efficacy and sustainability?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) has been historically extracted from animal sources with the consequent toxin contaminations and lack of purity. In the last years, due to the increasing demand of low-cost and high-quality HA newer strategies started to appear such as the use of Streptococcus, even if pathogenic, or recently, the use of harmless microorganisms. However, in almost all cases, bacterial expression systems involving genetic modifications are used to increase production. Se(HA)+ is naturally produced by an extremophile bacterium, for which genomics have shown its ability to naturally produce HMW-HA as it contains the HAS gene in its sequence. Moreover, Se(HA)+ is an enriched ferment as it contains a mixture of active molecules, showing not only HA-like activity but is also able to boost endogenous HA, with the consequent improvement in efficacy.
How does the naturally enriched HA ferment in Se(HA)+™ enhance both HA-like and HA-booster functions in the skin?
Hyaluronic acid is very often used in the synthesis of biomaterials for wound care because it plays an essential role in all phases of wound healing. A cream containing 1% of Se(HA)+ was used in wounded skin explants and a increase in dermal repair, closing of the wound and a clear increase in epidermal thickness were observed. Moreover, Se(HA)+ is able to retain skin hydration by maintaining skin barrier, as it is able to increase claudins, as well as increase epidermal cell turnover, which is key for optimal skin regeneration. Interestingly, Se(HA)+ shows dermal renewal efficacy, as it is able to boost endogenous HA and fibrillin 1 as well as procollagen I and elastin. Therefore, Se(HA)+ can be used in formulations to improve dermal architecture and promote a former and more elastic skin.
Can you explain the impact of Se(HA)+™ on skin hydration, barrier function, and extracellular matrix renewal based on in vivo studies?
A cream containing 3% of Se(HA)+ was tested in 22 Caucasian volunteers and we could observe a clear improvement in wrinkle depth and wrinkle volume for both crow’s feet and nasolabial wrinkle and as foreseen, impressive results were obtained for skin moisturization (Corneometer). Results showed efficacy for the active ingredient even after just 30 minutes of application, as well as long-term efficacy. These results can be explained by the fact that the ferment showed in vitro the capacity to increase cell renewal, improve dermal architecture and protect against skin dehydration by maintaining skin barrier.
Hyaluronic acid is often used for the lips because it provides hydration, volume and plumpness. Therefore, an additional in vivo was performed, where volunteers used a lip balm containing Se(HA)+ or placebo. Results showed outstanding lip volume and hydration increase with treatment.
With growing consumer interest in ethical and eco-friendly beauty products, how does Se(HA)+™ align with these trends in the cosmetic industry?
Unlike traditional hyaluronic acid, often derived from animal sources or genetically modified, Se(HA)+™ is naturally synthesized through an advanced fermentation-based process using a microorganism that inherently produces hyaluronic acid. This biotech-driven approach provides a natural HA-enriched ferment, delivering HA-like properties for immediate plumping and HA-booster effects by stimulating the skin’s own HA production. This holistic approach allows brands to formulate effective, ethical skincare solutions that align with consumer preferences for biocompatible, multifunctional, and responsibly sourced ingredients.
