Ozone oil – not only a hit in cosmetics
Ozone is a triatomic oxygen molecule with proven aseptic properties and is used, among other things, to sterilise drinking water and disinfect rooms. Ozone has a bactericidal effect at concentrations of approximately 13 μg/dm3.
Ozone has, since the beginning of the 20th century, also been used in cosmetology and medicine. In cosmetology, ozone is combined with unsaturated fatty acids present in vegetable oils and in this form widely used in cosmetics. The resulting ozones, when exposed to body temperature and also to physiological fluids such as sweat, release ozone, causing oxygenation, revitalisation and regeneration of the skin. Biologically active ozone also enhances the action of certain cosmetic ingredients.
The antimicrobial activity of such preparations has been proven in many scientific publications. Ozone-saturated oils prepared on the basis of olive oil and linseed oil are used as agents to help maintain the skin and mucous membranes in good condition and to promote regeneration and wound healing processes.
OZONEA oils – in search of innovation
OZONEA preparations based on ozone-saturated olive oil and linseed oil have been available for sale for several years. However, the company, wishing to expand the range of preparations offered, asked representatives of the Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of other potentially useful oils.
The aim of this project was to determine the antimicrobial activity of OZONEA preparations. Particular emphasis was placed on the analysis of the antimicrobial activity of ozonated oils not yet commercially available (e.g. currant, ricotta, sesame and others). An attempt was also made to assess how the concentration of ozone used and the parameters of the ozonation process affect the antimicrobial activity of the prepared formulation.
Course of the project
The project involved the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of more than 130 preparations containing various oils, treated with ozone in various concentrations. The analyses were carried out using the disc-diffusion method, which makes it possible to determine the zones of inhibition of bacterial and fungal growth around blotting paper discs saturated with the solutions of the preparations studied. The effect of the oils tested, in different variants of ozone saturation, was studied against microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans.
The tested oils had a varying effect on the microorganisms treated, but analyses identified several preparations that significantly reduced the growth of, among others, E. coli and C. albicans. These micro-organisms make up the microbiome of humans and animals, but under certain conditions (in immunosuppressed situations) they are pathogenic, causing diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract or skin.
During the course of the project, a number of consultative discussions were organised to develop a joint strategy for obtaining funding for further in-depth research work.
About the project
The project has been implemented as part of Science Hub of the University of Lodz – a university-wide collaboration platform that aims to support the University of Lodz academic community in the implementation of science projects in cooperation with the environment.
Project title: Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of ozonated oils produced by OZONEA brand
Supervisor: Dr Anna Jasińska, Department of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection
Students: Agnieszka Sobieszek, Dominika Antosiak, Microbiology Biotechnology
Partner: Energomat Robert Matuszewski
Source: The project team
Edit: Science Hub, University of Lodz