The biology of vernix caseosa

The biology and physical properties of the uniquely human skin cream 'vernix caseosa' are discussed. This material coats the foetal skin surface during the last trimester of gestation and provides multiple beneficial functions for the foetus and newborn infant. Vernix has a complex structure similar to stratum corneum but lacks lipid lamellae and is more plastic due to the absence of desmosomal constraints. In utero, vernix is made in part by foetal sebaceous glands, interacts with pulmonary surfactant, detaches into the amniotic fluid, and is swallowed by the foetus. At the time of birth, vernix has a remarkably constant water content approximating 80%. Postnatally, vernix is simultaneously a cleanser, a moisturizer, an anti-infective, and an anti-oxidant. Vernix facilitates acid mantle development and supports normal bacterial colonization. Its hydrated cellular structure and unusual lipid composition provide a 'best' solution for the needs of the foetus and newborn, not least of which is the attraction of caregivers. Vernix is an important natural biomaterial of potential interest to cosmetic scientists, and other disciplines involved in product development and therapies targeting the complex interface between the stratum corneum and a changing terrestrial environment.     

胎脂成分与功效及仿生应用展望

简述了胎脂的组成和对皮肤的保护作用,综述了国内外学者对天然胎脂的研究现状,总结了天然胎脂对胎儿皮肤的保湿、抗菌抗感染、p H调节和表皮屏障维护功能及作用机理,阐述了胎脂对保护胎儿皮肤并保障胎儿皮肤的健康生长发育具有有益作用,提出了植物仿生胎脂的概念并对其在第4代化妆品——仿生化妆品中应用的可能性进行了展望。     

胎脂和羊毛脂中支链脂肪酸组成的研究

支链脂肪酸(BCFA)是胎脂的重要成分,胎儿吞食羊水可获取胎脂中的BCFA,从而参与发挥肠道的防御作用。早产儿吞食胎脂不足,肠道缺乏BCFA,需要外源补充,羊毛脂是潜在的BCFA的天然来源。对胎脂和羊毛脂的BCFA组成进行分析。结果表明:胎脂含有复杂的脂质种类,主要是非极性脂质;胎脂总脂质和胎脂甘油三酯中的BCFA含量都比较高,依次为17.16%、16.12%;胎脂中共检测到11种BCFA,其中异构C12∶0、异构C14∶0、异构C16∶0、反异构C15∶0的含量较高;羊毛脂的脂肪酸中含有约48.53%的BCFA,包括了胎脂中大部分可测得的BCFA,因此羊毛脂可以模拟胎脂中的BCFA,具有在早产儿配方食品中应用的价值。