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 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, coffee cherry extract and other proprietary compounds for large cosmetic firms.

Another area of expertise/emphasis is in the in vitro and in vivo testing of the effects of light relating to photodamage and anti-aging. The lab has been involved in testing single and multiwavelength LEDs, Ultraviolet light (and isolated components, i.e. UVA1, UVB,etc.), Infrared light and visible spectrum light on cultured cells, human skin equivalent models and human clinical subject biopsy samples. The lab has been experimenting with the effects of both low level light from LED sources as well as clinical strength laser light.

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

 Skin of Color Research

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).

 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.

• McDaniel D, Cosmetic Dermatology, November 2009, The Science of Aging: Keys to the future.

• McDaniel, D.H., C.D. Steel, and C. Mazur, Evaluating Cosmeceuticals, in Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice Farris, Editor. John Wiley and Sons, LTD (2013).

• McDaniel DH, Fritz K, Machovcova A, Bernardy J. A J Drugs in Dermatol Focused Monopolar Radiofrequency Causes Apoptosis: A Porcine Model. 2014; 13(11)

 Our Staff

List of Areas of Interest and Services Offered:

• 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
• Interaction of light with cells (UVA1, UVB, IR, Visible light wavelengths)

Equipment on site or accessible:

• BioRad CFX96Touch System
• uQuant plate reader
• DeNovix DS11+ Low Volume Spectrophotometer
• Leica DMIRB inverted fluorescent microscope (Triple Filtered)
• Nikon DS-Qi1Mc visible light microscopic camera
• Nikon DS-Fi2 fluorescence microscopic camera
• Dolan-Jenner Fiberlite 180 High Intensity Illuminator with select custom filters
• Full Cell Culture/Molecular Biology/Immunohistochemistry Capabilities (sterile hoods, cell incubators, -80 freezer for sample storage, etc…)
• Li-Cor Odyssey Imaging System
• Laser Confocal Microscope
• TEM and SEM electron microscope
• Clinical Research facility with imaging capabilities, and other equipment for measuring skin properties and appearance.