With 18 years of clinical efficacy testing experience and technical know-how of molecular biology tools, QACS offers cosmetic skin Microbiome testing in the form of clinical trials to substantiate product microbiome claims. Our dedicated team of scientists (dermatologists, microbiologists and molecular biologists) offers variety of clinical evaluation options to address your product needs and budget in the form of customized protocols.

Click below and learn more on how QACS can assist you Skin Microbiome Testing needs

The first step to resolve a microbiological issue is correct Microorganism Identification. QACS provides accredited Microorganism Identification to benefit Quality Assurance & Quality Control processes. Species level Identification for Bacteria, Yeasts and Fungi is provided after investigation of the microbiological origin and analysis of the deeper causes. Information on the ecology, classification, growth conditions and possible pathogenesis are also given. The identification is offered in the shortest possible time (24h) using DNA technology.

DNA identification techniques present a reliability advantage over other methods e.g. APIs that are metabolic, MALTI TOF or other immunochemical methods.

Worldwide pathogenic bacteria are a growing public health concern. We perform fast (24h) and accurate pathogen detection via Real Time PCR to ensure product safety.

Pathogenic bacteria of the genus Salmonella, Listeria, Shigella and others after enrichment are detected in 24h via Real Time PCR.

To ensure absence of microbial contamination within the production line, a monitoring system should be established and corrective actions should be taken. At QACS our specialized personnel undertakes Environmental monitoring by swabs, air monitoring, microbiological analysis of raw material or water with our specialized personnel.

Microbes isolated from finished products, ingredients, water samples and production areas, are candidates for identification especially if, their numbers exceed alert or action limits. The name of the species of the microorganism could play a significant role in the investigation of its source and in the root cause analysis. We offer scientific guidance and solutions to further facilitate the microorganism’s investigation and proceed to root cause analysis of any microbial contamination.

QACS Lab provides accredited screening testing methods for the identification of pork DNA in cosmetics.

Botanical authenticity for personal care products assists manufacturers and R&D organizations provide assurance into the sourcing of natural ingredients. QACS performs botanical authenticity for cosmetics with a sensitive and reliable molecular method, Real Time PCR. Botanical authenticity can be supported from Allergen screening testing.

Genetic identity e.g. Barcoding is a powerful tool in favor of botanical authenticity. By analyzing and “reading” a piece of DNA containing the plant genetic identity, an indisputable “DNA certificate” of the species of the organism is obtained. In this way, the product or raw material acquires a seal of authenticity and the producer or distributor is protected from counterfeiting (replacement of part or all of it by another product of lower value) and the product acquires added value.

Quorum Sensing is the process of communication between bacterial cells via signaling molecules. This happens based on population density and enables behavior coordination. Bacterial behavior is expressed in biofilm creation, virulence, genetic competence, antibiotic production, swarming mobility. Quorum quenching is the process of disrupting or inhibiting quorum sensing in microorganisms. This can be achieved by using natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the production, detection, or response to quorum sensing molecules.

Quorum Quenching Analysis can become a valuable tool in laboratory cosmetic testing services to aid in enhancing the skin microbiome through cosmetic formulas.

How

Our skin, home to a diverse array of microorganisms, plays important roles in skin health maintenance and protection against pathogens. These microorganisms, collectively known as skin microbiome, are essential to skin health. Quorum sensing has been shown to play a catalytic role in the behavior of the skin microbes as it is used to coordinate the production of biofilms on the skin surface.

In the context of the skin microbiome, quorum quenching has been proposed as a potential strategy for modulating the behavior of skin microbes and promoting skin health. For example, several studies have suggested that quorum quenching could be used to disrupt the biofilms formed by pathogenic skin microbes, making them more susceptible to immune clearance and antimicrobial agents.

We have developed QQA Service so our customers could roll out breakthrough quorum quenching technology products (eg. anti-acne), that can inhibit the communication of “bad” skin bacteria and rebalance skin microbiome.

This is done by a protocol developed for screening constituents or formulations, for their ability to inhibit quorum sensing of targeted microbes such as P.acnes and S.aureus. In summary, constituent or formulation is applied at ranging concentrations and at different stages of bacterial cultures (ATCC) known for biofilm formation.

Quantification of biofilm formation is performed using a modified and optimized methodology of biofilm staining and measurement in microtiter plates, which has been widely applied in literature, in various formats and for a variety of microorganisms. A suitable candidate substance should be able to inhibit biofilm formation by inhibiting quorum sensing under these in-vitro conditions.

In the context of laboratory cosmetic testing, researchers can employ quorum quenching analysis to identify and assess cosmetic ingredients or formulations that possess quorum quenching properties. This analysis involves studying the effects of these substances on microbial communication, determining their ability to interfere with quorum sensing and potentially shift the microbial balance in favor of skin beneficial properties.

Τhe MMS approach from QACS, combines the long standing microbiology experience of our experts on plant and production areas. With the power of NGS and metagenomic analysis you can accurately :

• Map and monitor the complete microbiome of your production facility.
• Pinpoint pathogens and contaminants in the environment.
• Identify their routes and biofilms.
• Track their sources proactively.
• Gain full insight of the microbial populations in your production environment before it affects your products.
• Use the data retrospectively to identify possible sources of contamination in case of QC failure.

 Untargeted approach: You only find what you look for…
Although bacteria can be found anywhere, their presence in production environments, such as cosmetics/drug manufacturing and food processing plants, poses a constant threat.

When harmful or spoilage bacteria enter a product, QA/QC managers face a huge challenge to control/prevent recalls. Since production processes nowadays are well designed and automated, to control unwanted bacteria, you mostly need to control the environment of your production.

The classical approach with swabs and culture plates only detects a limited number of microorganisms that are able to grow in the conditions used, and with a variable performance. Their results are often difficult to interpret or even meaningless.

MMS gives an untargeted approach to this procedure revealing the full picture:

• Samples are taken from all important sources in the production environment.
• Total DNA is isolated from all samples and sequenced with NGS.
• The full depth of the microbiome of each sample is revealed from each sample analysis.
• Combining the results of each sample a full microbiome map of the production environment is revealed.
• Metadata analysis, heatmaps and most of all our expert’s insight results in a comprehensive report with clear interpretation of the finding and suggestions for corrective actions.