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Potapova Diana

 

Potapova Diana

SkyLab AG, Superlab Suisse Epalinges SA, Switzerland

Abstract Title: A novel enzymatic approach to scalp health: Selective malassezia inhibition without broad-spectrum antimicrobial effects

Biography:

Diana Potapova completed her MSc in Biology from Lomonosov Moscow State University. Her graduate research focused on mechanisms of action and molecular cascades of neurotrophins in developing neuromuscular junctions. She currently works at SkyLab AG (Switzerland), developing innovative oral- and hair-care systems.

Research Interest:

Malassezia overgrowth causes scalp dysbiosis in dandruff, yet conventional antifungal treatments compromise commensal microorganisms, limiting long-term therapeutic efficacy. This study investigates a selective enzymatic approach targeting fungal cell wall biopolymers (chitin and chitosan) to achieve Malassezia suppression while maintaining scalp bacterial ecosystem diversity and integrity.

Chitinase (100 U/g) and chitosanase (200 U/g) were evaluated against three pathogenic Malassezia species using Log₁₀CFU reduction assays and compared with conventional antifungals. Clinical performance was assessed via quantitative PCR measurement of fungal DNA and RNA in scalp samples from 18 volunteers. Metagenomic analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of enzymatic treatment on bacterial composition and diversity.

Monotherapy with either enzyme at 0.25% yielded moderate antifungal activity (23.85% and 26.15% growth inhibition). However, their combination at 0,25% achieved synergistic antifungal efficacy (98.38% Malassezia growth suppression). Clinical treatment (3-hour scalp application) significantly reduced fungal metabolic activity: M. furfur DNA and RNA decreased 2.4-fold; M. restricta DNA and RNA decreased 1.9-fold and 4.6-fold, respectively. Critically, rapid ecological succession occurred post-treatment, with bacterial alpha diversity (Chao1) doubling and operational taxonomic unit (OTU) richness increasing two-fold within three hours, indicating niche release and beneficial microbiota recolonization following fungal suppression.

The chitinase-chitosanase combination represents a targeted antifungal strategy that selectively inhibits pathogenic Malassezia while restoring commensal bacterial diversity.