Cellulose Gum CMC

Martins, D., et al. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 2021, 617, 126380.

To explore the possibility of replacing surfactants, generic cosmetic creams (water-in-oil emulsions) were prepared using dried bacterial cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose (BC:CMC) to play the role of both stabilizer and thickener. Based on visual observation, storage stability, rheology and texture testing, samples prepared with 0.75% BC:CMC consistently showed similar results to the FF control cream, indicating that the relevant rheology and texture properties can be mimicked in formulations with reduced or no surfactants.
Preparation of dried BC:CMC
· After being soaked in a 0.1 M NaOH solution for 4 days with daily solution changes, BC membranes were washed with distilled water until the pH matched that of the water. The washed membranes were then wet ground using a fixed speed hand blender at 9000 rpm until a consistent pulp was formed, followed by further blending at 24,000 rpm for 1 minute using a high-speed blender. The solid fraction of the pulp was determined by dry weight and adjusted to 0.5% (m/v).
· To this pulp, an equal volume of 0.5% (m/v) CMC (90 kDa) was added, creating a 1:1 mixture (BC:CMC) with a total solids concentration of 0.5%. The mixture was stirred magnetically overnight and then autoclaved at 121 ◦C for 20 minutes. Afterward, the formulation was freeze-dried for 5 days at -100 ◦C and approximately 0.05 mbar, and stored in a desiccator until needed.

Costa, Eduardo M., et al. Applied Sciences, 2022, 12(13), 6560.

To evaluate the potential of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as a cosmeceutical ingredient in skin care formulations, CMC samples were tested for skin cytotoxicity, effects on procollagen IαI production, and inflammatory responses. Results indicate that CMC shows potential to be a more natural alternative to traditional bioactive cosmetic ingredients.
Preparation and evaluation results of CMC samples
· 20 g/mL stock solutions were prepared by dissolving various grades of CMC powder samples in deionized water, and stirring at room temperature until complete dissolution. Each CMC sample, weighing 20 ± 0.1 g, was added carefully and slowly to deionized water at 25 °C to ensure good dispersion. The solutions were then gently stirred for 4 hours before adjusting the pH to 6.5-7.5 using 0.1 M NaOH or 0.1 M HCl to minimize pH impact.
· The results indicated that samples were non-cytotoxic to HaCat and HDFa at concentrations up to 10 mg/mL, while also boosting intracellular production of pro-collagen IαI by 228% compared to basal metabolism. Moreover, the CMC samples influenced the HaCat immune response, reducing IL-8 production by approximately 1.4-fold and increasing IL-6 levels by around five-fold. However, only two samples exhibited IL-6 levels similar to those of the inflammation control.