Hydrolysed Rhizobium gum

Hydrolysed rhizobium gum is a natural biopolymer formed on the roots of the rhizobium plants as a result of symbiosis between the bacteria that live on the root nodules and the plant itself. The bio polymer is the byproduct of the the bacteria growth. The bacteria living on the roots of rhizobium plants secretes and forms a thin layer of the bio polymer on the surface of the roots. This film retains the water content in the soil around the roots.

In cosmetic industry is functions as film former ( forms a film on the surface of the skin or hair). When applied on the skin or hair, it forms a supple, cohesive, and continuous layer. This layer/film has water-binding properties that leave a silky and smooth effect on the skin. It is also used as a viscosity modifier to the formulas to adjust the consistency of the formulation.

The hydrolysed rhizobium gum used in Monaesi skincare products is a natural fermentation product of the bacteria isolated from sunflower roots. The bacteria are grown and the gum is extracted from the fermentation broth and purified. Rhizobium gum when used in combination with other active ingredients have shown to smoothen the skin besides forming a permeable film on the skin that aids in preventing the moisture loss from the skin by acting as a barrier.

References:

  1. The production of gum by certain species of Rhizobium. Iowa state Digital repository. April 1933.
  2. Rhizobium gum: A novel cosmetic ingredient from soil to the 2004 Cosmetics and Toiletries. Vol 119, Num 4, pp 85-92, 5
  3. Bacterial Polysaccharides: Production and Applications in Cosmetic Polysaccharides, Pp 1-24.
  4. “Rhizobial exopolysaccharides: genetic control and symbiotic functions”, Microbial Cell Factories, 5(7). 1-19. February 2006.
  5. Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in International Journal of Toxicology 2016, Vol. 35(Supplement 1) 5S-49S.