> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://stemcell-users.gitbook.io/trendmaker/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://stemcell-users.gitbook.io/trendmaker/faq.md).
# FAQ ?
What are stem cells and Stem cell properties?
### Stem cell properties
Stem cells are one of the most fascinating fields in modern biology. They have important properties and serve as our body's repair kits.
### What are stem cells?
Renewal and repair are ongoing processes in the human body. Adult stem cells supply the necessary cells for this replacement. They have been identified in over 20 organs or tissues. Two key features set them apart from ordinary cells: They can differentiate into a diverse range of specialized cells of the same tissue and they have the remarkable ability to renew and regenerate themselves through cell division throughout a person's life. This makes stem cells especially valuable and important in regenerative skin care research.
### Stem cells in the skin – epidermal stem cells
Adult stem cells are also present in the outer layer of human skin, the epidermis. These cells are called epidermal stem cells and are found in the innermost layer of the epidermis (basal layer). 2-7% of all cells in this layer are stem cells. Although their appearance does not differ from that of the other cells in the basal layer, stem cells have a unique function: They constantly renew and rejuvenate the epidermis by forming new keratinocytes and regenerate damaged tissue as only these cells have the ability to divide indefinitely (see figure).
In young skin, the epidermis fully renews itself approximately every 4 weeks. This process continuously slows as we age. The number of skin stem cells decreases and their vitality diminishes. Excessive UV exposure of the skin and an unhealthy lifestyle (smoking, alcohol) aggravate these effects considerably, resulting in thinner, more deeply wrinkled skin. The hydrolipid film is reduced, which leaves the skin dryer and less well protected. As no new epidermal stem cells can develop during a person's life, it is all the more important to maintain the vitality of these valuable cells and their ability to divide as long as possible.
### Plant stem cells protect skin stem cells. How does this work?
Every stem cell contains specific epigenetic factors whose task is to preserve the stem cells' multi-potency and its ability to self-renew. Mibelle Biochemistry researchers have discovered that plant stem cells contain epigenetic factors similar to those of adult human stem cells. Applied in the right way, they have a positive impact on the vitality of skin stem cells and their proper functioning.
### How can the vitality of epidermal stem cells be measured?
Is it even possible to improve the vitality of stem cells, keeping the skin youthful longer? Proving this is particularly difficult since epidermal stem cells look exactly the same as the other cells in the basal layer. Only the development of a new test method, the so-called “progenitor cell targeting”, made it possible to isolate stem cells from the human epidermis for test purposes. These epidermal stem cells can be grown in Petri dishes using specific culture media. Using this cell culture test, one of the unique properties of stem cells, the colony-forming efficiency (CFE), can be assessed in the lab. First, very dilute dispersions of epidermal stem cells are plated on Petri dishes. Each vital, healthy stem cell divides , forming a colony of cells, which is visible to the naked eye and can then be counted. Stem cells that have aged and are weakened do not die, but they no longer form such colonies. Researchers were thus able to show that using plant stem cells (all PhytoCellTec™ products) is proven to increase the longevity and colony-forming efficiency – essentially, the vitality – of epidermal stem cells.
Who first discovered that plant stem cells could be used to revitalize skin stem cells?
Mibelle Biochemistry scientists
What does PhytoCellTec™ mean?
Plant cell technology
Where do the stem cells in PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica come from?
The active ingredient was first extracted from only 2 to 3 Uttwiler Spätlauber apples. All the plant stem cells for PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica continue to be cultivated from these original cells.
How do stem cells work?
Stem cells are special, very valuable cells that are present in small numbers in almost every tissue, including the skin. Only stem cells can divide over the course of a person’s life and create new skin cells, continuously renewing the epidermis. As we age, the vitality and number of skin stem cells decreases, the epidermis takes longer to renew itself and wrinkles form.
What is the difference between embryonic and adult stem cells?
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells derived from the inner cell mass of an early-stage embryo. They have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body. Adult stem cells are responsible for supplying the necessary replacement cells in adults. They have been identified in over 20 organs and tissues. Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells can only generate cells of the organ in which they are found. They are therefore referred to as multipotent.
What makes PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients so innovative?
They have made it possible to promote the vitality of skin stem cells for the first time. Extracts obtained from plant stem cells using state-of-the-art technology have specific stem cell factors, which help skin stem cells retain their properties. PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients have been shown to have a positive effect on cultures of epidermal stem cells.
Plant versus animal cells?
In PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients the entire stem cell is used. Using plant stem cells poses no safety or other concerns for humans. The plant stem cells are cultivated in sterile conditions so no diseases can be transmitted and no genetically modified material is used. It is animal stem cells, rather, that pose a risk of transmitting diseases.
Have PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients been tested on animals?
Mibelle Biochemistry has never tested PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients on animals either during development or for proof of activity. The active ingredients were tested only on cell cultures and, in the form of finished products, on test subjects. These highly specific tests were conducted in cooperation with renowned dermatological test institutes.
How was the effect of the stem cells tested and what tests were conducted?
The effect of PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients was tested on cultures of human epidermal stem cells. The tests showed that the active ingredients can maintain the stem cells’ colony-forming efficiency longer even if the cells were stressed through exposure to UV light. Tests on the 3D epidermis model showed that even aged skin stem cells can form a complete epidermis when PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica is applied. In other words, aged stem cells treated with PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica display similar activity to young stem cells. These positive effects were also confirmed in tests on test subjects. (see tests under the active ingredient PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica)
What are the visible effects on the skin following application?
See the test results following application on the skin; active ingredients PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica and PhytoCellTec™ Alp Rose.
Is there an ideal age? Beginning at what age can the products be used?
As PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients have a very good, protective effect that prevents aging of the skin, they are recommended for younger and mature skin.
Is production of PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients sustainable?
Often, rare and nearly-extinct plants that are classified as endangered species and thus protected contain especially valuable ingredients but may not be used in cosmetics. Thanks to the innovative PhytoCellTec™ technology, it is now possible to use even these plants for cosmetics. Only a very small amount of plant material is needed to produce sufficient, high-quality active ingredients, thus PhytoCellTec™ is a very sustainable technology.
Sustainability and How plant stem cells are produced?
Often, rare and nearly-extinct plants, classified as endangered species, contain especially valuable ingredients but may not be harvested for use in cosmetics. Thanks to the innovative PhytoCellTec™ technology, it is now possible to use even these components for cosmetics. Only a very small amount of plant material is needed to produce large quantities of high-quality active ingredients, thus PhytoCellTecTM is a highly sustainable technology.
How plant stem cells are produced
Step 1. Petri dishes with selected sterilized plant parts
 Step 2. Plant is wounded -> fully-formed callus (wound tissue)
 Step 3. Close-up of callus tissue sert
 Step 4. Liquid culture of plant stem cells in a specially developed container
 Step 5. Cluster of plant stem cells in liquid culture under a microscope Why are plant stem cells the latest trend in cosmetics research?
Cosmetics research is always looking for new active ingredients as the skin’s vitality and its ability to regenerate are key factors for a smooth, firm and youthful appearance. And plant stem cells have enormous potential to preserve the vitality and youthfulness of human skin as long as possible (examples: Uttwiler Spätlauber apple and the Burgundy grape Gamay Teinturier Fréaux).
To what extent can the new PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients be called natural?
All of our PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients are based on plant stem cells and are 100% natural. Moreover, the raw material production process is very sustainable and preserves resources. We only need a small sample of a plant, such as a few berries, to extract plant stem cells. The entire production is then based on these stem cells. These active ingredients are compatible with our customers’ concerns about the environment, which also makes them attractive to companies that value natural raw materials.
What is PhytoCellTec™?
Mibelle Biochemistry motto – “inspired by nature – realized by science” – is the guiding principle behind its new approach to combining nature and science through a technique to extract raw materials from plants.
The origins of PhytoCellTec™?
Every plant has stem cells. But unlike in humans, every plant cell has the potential to dedifferentiate to a stem cell and to grow into an entirely new, full plant. PhytoCellTec™ is the name of a new biotechnology that researchers from Mibelle Biochemistry have used successfully to generate and cultivate plant stem cells. With this technology, the growth of callus cells (wound tissue) in selected plant tissue is induced under special conditions. These callus cells are undifferentiated plant cells, in other words, stem cells. The second step involves further cultivating these stem cells in specially developed bioreactors to obtain sufficient plant stem cells.
Mibelle Biochemistry has a patent on the application of plant stem cells to skin stem cells. The topical use of PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica is patented in the USA, in Switzerland, Europe and in Korea.
What celebrities use the Mibelle active ingredient from apple stem cells?
It has been reported that Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez and Helen Mirren have used products with our PhytoCellTec™ active ingredients.
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