EVALUATION OF KERATINASE DEPOSITION AND PERMEABILITY IN THE SKIN

The skin acts as a protective barrier shielding our body from external aggression. This fact hinders the entry of substances into the various layers of the skin. One of the skin components involved in this defense function is keratin. Keratin is a fibrous structural protein very resistant to proteolysis but susceptible to be hydrolyzed by keratinases; however, the mechanisms of keratinolysis is still unsolved. This article aims to provide further knowledge about the interaction between keratinase and skin. Skin samples were exposed to different concentrations of keratinase, 1000 U, 5000 U and 10000 U, and they are compared with control group. It was observed the formation of intercellular fissures in all the dilutions of keratinase. Transdermal absorption tests were used to verify the amount of sodium ascorbate as an active ingredient that is deposited and penetrates through the skin. It was observed that pretreatment with keratinase 5000 U induced a significant deposition (p < 0.05), resulting in ninefold greater retention of sodium ascorbate compared to the control group. It also facilitated the permeation of the sodium ascorbate into the different layers of the skin. These results may serve as a foundation for further research into the use of keratinase in developing innovative applications in the cosmetic industry.