Tag Archives: wellness

NeoGenesis’ New Topical Probiotic Products, MB-2 and MB-3, Feature 5 Strains of Live, Colonizing Symbiotic Bacteria

Based on many recent scientific studies of using live, symbiotic bacteria in a topical application, NeoGenesis has launched a new probiotic, topical skin care product (MB-2) and will be launching MB-3 soon. I briefly explain some of the science for using topical probiotic products in this post.

I’ve been publishing about (Maguire and Maguire, 2017) and developing topical probiotic products (MB-1 was launched in 2015) for well over a decade. The data for topical symbiotic bacteria colonizing and benefiting the skin are rapidly accumulating. For example, topically applied Lactobacilli have been found to temporarily colonize the skin and to directly compete with skin pathogens through adhesion inhibition, production of antimicrobial metabolites, and by influencing pathogen metabolism. The competitive anti-pathogenic action of Lactobacilli has been described mechanistically for common skin pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Cutibacterium acnes, and Candida albicans (DeLanghe et al, 2021). Recently, studies of live Lactobacillus crispatus (LBC) demonstrated benefit to the skin when compared to inactivated LBC biomass, stimulating collagen in vitro. Moreover, the live LBC was stable in formulations not containing antimicrobial preservatives and was found to improve dermis density and wrinkle appearance in vivo.

Microbes and human cells have co-evolved for billions of years, through which they have been exposed to many types of molecules produced by each other and acting in bidirectional signaling pathways (Wu et al, 2025). For example, Lactobacilli have an immunomodulatory capacity associated with a reduction in excessive skin inflammation (Delanghe et al, 2021). Their influence on the immune system is mediated by bacterial metabolites and cell wall-associated or excreted microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs). Lactobacilli acting as immune modulators associated with a reduction in excessive skin inflammation exert their influence on the immune system by secreting many bacterial metabolites, a type of postbiotic (this is a term I introduced in 2019; Maguire and Maguire, 2019), along with the cell wall-associated MAMPs that are not released but integrated into the cell of the bacterium. In addition, Lactobacilli can also enhance the skin barrier function, which is often disrupted as a result of infection, trauma, or in inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. Lebeer et al (2022) found that the Lactobacillis species L. crispatus, L. iners, L. gasseri, and L. jensenii, all still belonging to the genus Lactobacillus strictu sensu, have a broader human adaptation to stratified epithelium than merely the human vaginal epithelial cells, based on their association with healthy skin. In other words, Lactobacilli colonize the skin just as they do in other epithelial tissues. However, these colonies of bacteria on the skin can be disrupted by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, such as harsh chemicals and aging. For example, aged skin contains significantly fewer L. crispatus (a beneficial symbiont) than young skin. Let’s now breiefly look at how symbiotic bacteria benefit the skin through quorum sensing and the release of post-biotic molecules, including molecules that will inhibit pathogenic bacteria such as certain strains of Staphlacoccus aureus.

Quorum Sensing and Post-Biotic Release

Mechanisms of quorum sensing is different for gram-positive versus gram-negative bacteria. Regardless, quorum sensing molecules (AIP or QS molecules) can work within species or on other species to control growth. This is an important means by which symbiotic bacteria, such as B. subtilis, can inhibit pathogenic bacteria such as S. aureus.

As bacteria grow, they secrete and sense signaling molecule in the surrounding environment. By detecting variations in the concentration of these signal molecules, bacteria can modulate the expression of related genes, thereby regulating associated behaviors. Consequently, interfering in bacterial QS signaling to either promote or inhibit the development of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biofilms holds substantial significance in terms of enhancing skin immunity, promoting skin health.

Quorum sensing allows bacteria to communicate and coordinate collective behaviors by sensing population density through chemical signals, or autoinducers. While primarily species-specific, interspecies communication also occurs when different bacteria produce or detect shared autoinducers like autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a “universal” signal molecule used by many species. This interspecies communication can lead to either cooperation or competition, influencing functions such as biofilm formation, virulence, and resistance against other microbes.

For example, colonization of the skin by Staphylococcus aureus is associated with exacerbation of atopic dermatitis (AD). Proteases and phenol-soluble modulin α (PSMα) secreted by S. aureus leads to endogenous epidermal proteolysis and skin barrier damage that promotes inflammation (Williams et al, 2019). Other species of bacteria residing on normal skin can produce autoinducing peptides that inhibit the S. aureus agr system, in turn decreasing PSMα expression. A number of bacteria types, such as Bacillus subtilis (it secretes lactic acid), can quorum sense (Spacacan et al, 2020) and react to the S. aureus overcolonization by inhibiting the S. aureus through disruption of their QS system (Leistikow et al, 2024).

Quorum-sensing systems in the skin can be divided into two paradigmatic classes: LuxI/LuxR–type quorum-sensing systems in Gram-negative bacteria and oligopeptide/two-component–type quorum-sensing circuits in Gram-positive bacteria. All of this is very complicated, relaizing that bacteria have elaborate chemical signaling systems that enable them to communicate within and between species is only recently been explored and the field is emerging quickly. Based on our current knowledge, I’ve developed two new products, MB-2 and MB-3, using symbiotic, live bacteria known to perform QS or interfere with QS in other bacteria strains and promote skin benefits, including reduced inflammation and barrier function rebuild.

Interspecies Quorum Sensing Fosters Both Competition and Collaboration

To be clear, quorum sensing between different bacterial species occurs as well. For example, some species cannot produce their own autoinducers, but have receptors for the autoinducer molecules of other species, allowing them to sense and respond to others in their environment. Like human behavior, bacteria behavior operates on a continuum of individualism and collectivism. This quality can breed conflict, but also collaboration and interspecies quorum sensing can take both forms. In other words, the good guys, the symbiotic bacteria, can work together through quorum sensing among themselves (intraspecies quorum sensing) to inhibit the bad guys, the pathogenic bacteria, through interspecies quorum sensing. The good guys can be fighting some bacterial species, such as S. aureus, that use quorum sensing to enhance each other’s virulence.

Let’s now look at the five symbiotic bacteria that are contained in MB-2 and MB-3

Lactobacillus plantarum

Lactobacillus plantarum treatment reduced wound bacterial load, neutrophils, apoptotic and necrotic cells, modified IL-8 production and induced wound healing (Peral et al, 2010). When topically applied to a disease skin model for acne, L. plantarum induced a significant reduction in viability of virulent bacteria phylotypes, lipid production, and modulated inflammatory markers (Podrini et al, 2023).  Further, L. plantarum whole cultures promote tissue repair, and this bacterium may also improve the healing of diabetic wounds in rats through the regulation of inflammatory cytokines (Ishi et al, 2023). In a study of 23 subjects, topical L. plantarum in a cream formulation was found to benefit skin aging properties, including TEWL, barrier function, and wrinkles (Elvebakken et al, 2023).

 Lactobacillus crispatus

An oily suspension containing Lactobacillus crispatus and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei was found to benefit Seborrheic dermatitis (Truglio et al, 2024). In a study of 29 women with topical application of L. crispatus, the density of the sub-epidermal zone significantly increased vs baseline by 11% and of the dermis by 6% (+5% vs placebo). As I mentioned in the introduction,, studies of live Lactobacillus crispatus (LBC) demonstrated benefit to the skin when compared to inactivated LBC biomass, stimulating collagen in vitro. Moreover, the live LBC was stable in formulations not containing antimicrobial preservatives and was found to improve dermis density and wrinkle appearance in vivo.

Bacillus subtilis

Topical application of live Bacillus subtilis has been found to reduce the number of pathogenic bacteria in skin, including S. aureus (Moskovicz et al, 2021; Piewngam et al, 2023). Topical application also helps to reduce acne breakouts (Ma’or et al, 2023). B. subtilis is being developed for drug delivery for a number of reasons (Montgomery et al, 2024). It may have advantages over other candidate bacteria as a platform for drug delivery to the skin because of its safety profile and genetic tractability. It is found in the skin microflora and is metabolically active on the skin. It is nonpathogenic and has natural antimicrobial properties against pathogenic staphylococci and fungi. B. subtilis has generally regarded as safe status from the FDA, and multiple B. subtilis probiotic products as well as a genetically modified strain of B. subtilis are currently commercially available. Further, an important characteristic of B. subtilis is that it is commonly used in biotechnology for the production of proteins, vitamins, and antibiotics because of its efficient protein secretion system, and ease of cultivation, factors that mean it can work well when topically applied to the skin as a probiotic.

Bacillus coagulans

LactoSporin, a metabolite of Bacillus coagulens, cream topically applied for 10 weeks resulted in a significant reduction in visibility of wrinkles around crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, frown lines, and facial fine lines compared to baseline and placebo by dermatological and Antera imaging assessments (Majeed et al, 2023). . Optimal conditions for growth include a temperature range of 30–50°C and a pH level of 5.5–6.5, matching the surface of the skin. This bacterium exhibits weak adhesion to epithelial cells, which prevents long-term colonization, but allows temporary colonization and yielding positive effects.

Lactoccus lactis

Various strains of L. lactis have recently been reported to induce anti-inflammatory activity in vitro (Luerce et al, 2014). Administration of L. lactis LB 1022 improved clinical AD symptoms, decreased serum IgE and suppressed the Th2 cytokines secretion, such as IL4, IL-13, and TSLP in blood, which are factors found to be elevated by AD. Similarily, oral L. lactis LB 1022 may have a protective effect against AD by reducing high IgE serum levels and Th2-related responses that arise from an imbalance in the gut microbiota. Topical application of L. lactis is likely to have similar effects on AD, but given the likely lower colonization levels when topically applied, requires more frequent dosing to achieve similar positive results. It is also possible that L. lactis ferments glycans on the surface of the skin, thus producing beneficial lactic acid that may then be fermented into beneficial short chain fatty acids which then regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.

Summary

As you can read here in the studies I’ve mentioned, there is much accumulating evidence for the benefits of the 5 types of symbiotic bacteria that I’ve chosen to include in our NeoGenesis MB-2 and MB-3 products. Working with a number of dermatologists in the USA, we’ve had remarkable postive results in compromised, inflammatory skin conditions where MB-2 (bacteria in an occlusive base) serves those conditions with interupted barrier function, such as atopic dermatitis and MB-3 (in a non-occlusive oil base) serves those conditions with a more intact barrier and oily and pustule-prone skin.

Safety and Efficacy: Adipose Mesenchymal Stem Cell (ADSC) Secretome Is Superior to Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC) and Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell (UCSC) Secretomes

I list here some of the reasons why I formulate my skin care products using the secretome of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) instead of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells or umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. ADSCs are better at reducing inflammation and setting the innate and adaptive immune systems into a pro-regenerative state, inducing collagen formation, and laying down that collagen in a manner that is anti-fibrotic. This is a small excerpt of my upcomming peer-reviewed publication.

Listing Efficacy of ADSCs Versus BMSCs versus UCMSCs Secretome (Exosomes + Soluble Fraction)

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs), and the molecules they release, prolong and enhance inflammation by increasing survival and function of neutrophils (Casatella et al, 2011; Liang et al, 2024). BMSC secretome also reprograms hematopoietic stem cells to become inflammatory white blood cells (Ng et al, 2023). Under hypoxic conditions, which induces the activation of TRL4, BMSCs secrete pro-inflammatory factors and decrease the polarization of macrophages from the M1 to M2 phenotype, the M2 type being anti-inflammatory and therefore the BMSCs are promoting more inflammation (Faulknor et al, 2017; Waterman et al, 2010). Thus, BMSCs cultured in normal hypoxic conditions in the laboratory are secreting pro-inflammatory factors and when administered to wounded skin will induce inflammation by recruiting neutrophils and M1 type pro-inflammatory macrophages.
ADSCs have consistently exhibited much greater anti‑inflammatory capabilities, phagocytic activity, anti‑apoptotic capability activity and cell viability over BMSCs (Li et al, 2019).
ADSCs have been found to be highly immunomodulating cells, exceeding the suppressive effect of BMSCs by secreting more anti-inflammatory IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) Ceccarelli et al (2020).
When compared with the BMSCs- and UCSCs-treated groups, the ADSCs-treated group exhibited markedly accelerated healing efficiency, characterized by increased wound closure rates, enhanced angiogenesis, and collagen deposition at the wound site in an animal model (Cao et al, 2024).
ADSCs have biological advantages over BMSCs in the proliferative capacity, secreted proteins (basic fibroblast growth factor, interferon-γ, and insulin-like growth factor-1), and immunomodulatory, ant-inflammatory effects (Li et al, 2015).
Differences in cytokine secretion cause ADSCs to have more potent immunomodulatory effects than BMSCs (Melief et al, 2013)
ADSCs are better at preventing fibrosis than BMSCs (Yoshida et al, 2023).
Adipose mesenchymal stem cell secretome is superior to that of BMSCs because it preferentially helps to rebuild the epidermis by stimulating basal keratinocytes (Ademi et al, 2023).
BMSCs express much CTHRC1 protein (Turlo et al, 2023), which may help to promote fibrosis (Liu et al, 2023).
ADSC exosomes contain SIRT1 (Huang et al, 2020) and activate SIRT1 in other cells (Liu et al, 2021) to reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and reduce senescence.
ADSC exosomes reduce inflammation in endothelial cells (Heo and Kim, 2022).
ADSCs are considered more powerful suppressors of immune response than mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from different tissue sources, including trabecular bone, bone marrow, dental pulp, and umbilical cord (Ribeiro et al., 2013; Nancarrow-Lei et al., 2017).
 ADSCs immunomodulatory effects exceed that of BMSCs (Melief et al., 2013).
ADSCs secrete higher amount of immune suppressive cytokines, such as IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) than do BMSCs (Soleymaninejadian et al., 2012; Melief et al., 2013; Montespan et al., 2014).
Bochev et al (2008) showed that ADSCs had a stronger ability to inhibit immunoglobulin (Ig) production by B cells than BMSCs.
Ivanova-Todorova E et al (2009) found that Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells are more potent suppressors of the adaptive immune response through limiting dendritic cells differentiation compared to bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
ADSC secretome inhibits LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines (Li et al, 2018)
Human ADSCs are key regulators of immune tolerance, with the capacity to suppress T cell and inflammatory responses and to induce the generation/activation of antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Gonzalez-Rey et al, 2010).
ADSC secretome can suppress the activation, proliferation, and function of CD8+ T cells, which are inflammatory killer T cells (Kuca-Warnawin et al, 2020).
ADSC secretome was able to elevate expression of M2 macrophages and modified their cytokine expression to an anti-inflammatory profile (Hu et al, 2016; Zomer et al, 2020)
Exosomes secreted by human adipose mesenchymal stem cells promote scarless cutaneous repair by regulating extracellular matrix remodeling (Wang et al, 2017).
ADSC exosomes reduce inflammation and alleviate keloids by promoting mitochondrial autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway (Liu et al, 2024).
ADSC exosomes reduce injury through the transfer of mitochondria components to neighboring cells (Xia et al, 2022).
ADSC secretome expedited wound healing and reduced inflammation in an animal model (Ma et al, 2021).
ADSC secretome promotes wound healing without leaving visible scars and was found safe when injected (An et al, 2021).
ADSC secretome has positive effects on granulation tissue formation and vascularization, and helps prevent fibrosis in pressure ulcers (Alexandrushkina et al, 2020).
Human ADSCs secrete functional neprilysin-bound exosomes that can degrade β-amyloid peptide (Aβ) that is found in the skin – cutaneous amyloidosis (Katsuda et al, 2013; Kucheryavykh et al, 2018).
In psoriasis and eczema the secretome from adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), can regulate SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling) pathways, and modulate JAK pathways to reduce inflammation (Wang et al, 2022; Ko et al, 2023). Further, the secretome from ADSCs increases SOCS3 expression and, thus, the persistent and uninhibited expression of STAT3 by increased SOCS3 effectively ameliorates tissue injury by promoting tissue regeneration and decreasing inflammation and apoptosis (Lee et al, 2016).
ADSC and BMSC secretomes were characterized by the upregulation of proteins linked to ECM structure and organization and proteolytic processes compared to UCSCs, important to active involvement in tissue repair and microenvironment maintenance and suggesting their advantage for tissue-forming applications (Hodgson-Garms et al, 2025), but ADSCs are better at preventing fibrosis and reducing inflammation (Yoshida et al, 2023).
Fu et al (2025) found that hADSC-Exos are more effective in promoting hair follicle development compared to hUCMSC-Exos, and the secretome of ADSCs was more associated with growth processes such as nucleosome function than was the UCMSC secretome (Fu et al, 2025).