I Am Tehseen Kamal. I Am Production Supervisor at Colgate Palmolive Pakistan Ltd. My Job Experience in 16 Year. I Am Very Energetic and Multiple Task & Problem Solving Person.

In the last year, masks have served as physical barriers to prevent transfer of aerosolized pathogens. But what about contact transfer? Reaching for door handles, greeting others with a handshake, or signing documents with a shared pen were once tasks performed subconsciously. It is now apparent how frequently microorganisms, pollution, and dirt transfer from surrounding surfaces to hands and skin. Hand sanitizers used to kill surface microorganisms are often associated with skin irritation and dryness. The skin microbiome is an ecosystem of microbial communities that inhabit the skin to maintain homeostasis. The non-pathogenic bacteria that normally reside on the skin, or commensal bacteria, becomes imbalanced after the use of hand sanitizers. The indiscriminate disruption of the skin microbiome caused by cidal actives in hand sanitizers can destroy commensal bacteria and make the skin more vulnerable to incursion by pathogenic organisms.

Polysaccharides and biopolymers are known to provide barrier protection. Previous research investigating classes of natural materials to prevent transfer of bacteria lead to the nanopattern surface of Clanger cicada (Psaltoda claripennis). The wings of this insect serve as a model for the development of innovative functional surfaces that offer increased resistance to microbial contamination. This piqued the interest in examining the effects of a cosmetic active rich in polysaccharides to prevent the transfer of bacteria.

Interestingly, many succulent plants rely on polysaccharides to maintain cellular turgor. The Resurrection Plant provides a compelling case as the extracted polysaccharides and biopolymers prevent microbial transfer, aid in pollution protection, and increase wound healing capabilities. In this study, we discuss the potential use of a naturally derived polysaccharide rich extract, Selaginella Lepidophylla Extract, as a novel defensive shield against microbes compared to other known polysaccharides.