Antiphotoaging effects of liposomal encapsulated superoxide dismutase extract of Bacillus altitudinis on ultraviolet-A-irradiated New Zealand rabbits’ back skin

Photoaging can occur due to sunlight exposure that emits ultraviolet-A rays. Therefore, this study aims to assess the antiphotoaging activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) extract of Bacillus altitudinis liposomes on rabbit back skin. The liposomes were encapsulated using the film method. The antiphotoaging test was carried out on the back skin of New Zealand rabbits which were separated into four groups, namely normal, negative, and positive controls, as well as liposome B. altitudinis. They were then exposed to ultraviolet-A (UV-A) light for 2 weeks. The treatment was carried out by applying liposome extract of B. altitudinis to the back skin of rabbits once a day for 28 days. Observations were made to assess the increase in the percentage of collagen, elasticity, and moisture content. The dorsal skin of the test animals was observed histologically using van Gieson staining. The results showed that rabbits exposed to UV-A light for 2 weeks experienced a decrease in collagen, elasticity, and moisture contents. Liposomes of B. altitudinis can increase the collagen level elasticity and moisture content by 6.46%, 5.10%, and 26.90%, respectively. The histological staining revealed that B. altitudinis liposomes increased collagen levels by 36.62%. These results indicate the potential value of B. altitudinis liposomes as photoaging agents.