The Rural Development Administration (RDA) has developed a breakthrough technology that can manufacture cosmetics and medicines based on substances found in bugs.
The organization successfully discovered antimicrobial peptides in Copris tripartitus beetles and in scolopendrid centipedes, substances that are often used as antibiotics. The insects secrete the substances to protect themselves when they face a harmful germ attack.
Cosmetics made from natural peptides, known as coprisin, from the Copris tripartitus beetles and scolopendrid centipedes, have effects that are good for the skin, such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory functions, and can help with skin re-growth.
In the study, antimicrobial peptides from the beetles showed antibacterial activities against oral germs, botrymycosis and acne bacteria. Using the peptides, the RDA developed its “Coprisin Cosmetics” line of makeup. As the substances also show excellent antibacterial effects against acute colitis, efforts are currently underway to turn them into a medicine to cure enteritis.
The administration also found that scolopendrid centipedes have antimicrobial peptides that are effective in curing eczema.
“If the effectiveness of the medicine on humans is proven after clinical trials, it would work better than other existing medicines,” said researcher Hwang Jae-sam from the RDA.
When cocoon-based silk patches (center) are applied to a ruptured eardrum, the eardrum regenerates more successfully than with other existing patches (right).
Silk membranes made from the cocoon of silkworms can be used to restore gum tissue.
Silkworm cocoons can be used for medical purpose, too. The RDA has developed silk patches that use a silkworm’s cocoon. The new patches are designed to help restore ruptured eardrums to their former condition. The patches, fine and smooth in texture, promote the skin’s reproductive effects. When a patient received treatment with the new patches, his reproduction success rate turned out to be higher than other existing methods. More than 70 percent of patients have benefited from the patches.
Finally, another breakthrough development has been made: silk membranes. The material is used to increase gum tissue after such surgeries as gum regeneration and artificial tooth implants. Studies have shown that the new method is eight times better in helping to increase gum tissues than the existing Goretex-made substance, and twice as better as the collagen-based method.
“The manufacturing process of silk membranes is relatively simpler and less expensive than existing processes, many of which have to be imported,” said researcher Jo Yoo-yeong of the RDA. “Putting such domestic silk membranes on the market will bring us many benefits, including improved public health, a higher income among silkworm farmers and the localization of medical substances, too, allowing us to not rely on imports.”
By Sohn JiAe
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: the Rural Development Administration
jiae5853@korea.kr
