Laboratory Research

Mission Statement:

To provide sound scientific basis for the inclusion of unique or novel compounds into skin care formulations through a variety of testing methodologies in human cell cultures and help guide the development of the next generation of science based skin care products. The Institute also does preclinical testing of the effects of devices in vitro. The McDaniel Institute is concerned with patient and consumer education in all aspects of skin care, anti-aging and antioxidant science and nutrition.

 Experience:

The laboratory team at the McDaniel Institute of Anti-Aging Research uses time tested in vitro techniques for testing compounds on cell cultures and analyzing gene expression, ELISA or other protein products, or histological results. Other testing models employed at MIAAR, involve bacterial cultures (like acne), human skin equivalent models and mouse stem cells. Dr. McDaniel and his team have consulted on formulation, safety and efficacy testing for products like idebenone, coffecherry extract and other proprietary compounds for large cosmetic firms.

The Institute is also interested in natural botanical ingredients and has experience in the cultivation of sterile plant cultures and their testing and application in combatting skin disorders.

The Institute is also associated through Dr. McDaniel with the Hampton University Skin of Color Research Institute (Dr. McDaniel is one of the Co-Directors and he and his team are some of architects behind the design and inception) and Eastern Virginia Medical School (where Dr. McDaniel remains adjunct faculty).

 Some small portion of past studies include:

• McDaniel DH, Weiss RA, Geronemus RG, Newman J: Photomodulation of Human Skin Fibroblast Activity in vitro and in vivo. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, July 2003; 121(1).

• McDaniel DH, Neudecker BA, DiNardo JA, Maibach HI: Idebenone: a new antioxidant Pt 1. Relative assessment of oxidative stress protection capacity compared to commonly known antioxidants. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, January 2005; 4(1):10-17.

• Lewis J A II, DiNardo J C, McDaniel D, Cosmetic Dermatology, November 2009, Oxidative Stress, The Damage Accumulation Theory of Skin Aging & The Role of Antioxidants in the Future of Topical Skin Protection.

 Our Staff (link to research our staff page)

Expertise/Services:

• Creation, growth, maintenance and testing of cell cultures (human and other),
• Molecular biology techniques
• RT-PCR
• PCR based and cDNA microarrays
• Histological staining, immunofluorescent staining and imaging, live cell staining and imaging
• Cell toxicity/viability assays
• ELISA protein quantitation
• Image analysis
• Gene to gene interactions

Areas of Special Interest:

• Antioxidants
• Anti-aging
• Longevity/lifespan extension
• Skin biochemistry
• Botanical extracts
• Melanogenesis
• Keloid formation
• Gene expression profiling

Equipment on site or accessible:

• BioRad 4 color iCycler™
• uQuant spectrophotometer
• Leica DMIRB inverted fluorescent microscope (Triple Filtered)
• Full Cell Culture/Molecular Biology/Immunohistochemistry Capabilities (sterile hoods, cell incubators, -80 freezer for sample storage, etc…)
• Li-Cor Odyssey Imaging System
• NanoDrop spectrophotometer
• Laser Confocal Microscope
• TEM and SEM electron microscope
• Clinical Research facility with imaging capabilities, and other equipment for measuring skin properties and appearance.