Activation of Fibroblast and Papilla Cells by Glycolipid Biosurfactants, Mannosylerythritol Lipids

Mannosylerythritol lipids (MELs), particularly the di-acetylated MEL (MEL-A) produced from soybean oil, significantly increased the viability of fibroblast cells by over 150% and dramatically activated papilla cells at 0.001 microg/L, suggesting its potential as a new hair growth agent. Conversely, MEL-A from olive oil and mono-acetylated MEL (MEL-B) showed little to no cell activation. The study highlighted the promising application of MEL-A from soybean oil in cosmetics, especially for stimulating hair growth.