Methods of producing lignin peroxidase and its use in skin and hair lightening

Abstract

Methods of producing lignin peroxidase are provided. Also provided are methods and cosmetic compositions suitable for skin and hair lightening as well as kits and an article-of manufacturing including active ingredients for skin and hair lightening.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An aqueous extract of  Phanerochaete chrysosporium  fungus exhibiting lignin peroxidase enzymatic activity in the range of 500-2000 units per liter. 
     
     
         2 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said lignin peroxidase enzymatic activity is 1500 units per liter. 
     
     
         3 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said lignin peroxidase enzymatic activity is isoenzyme H1. 
     
     
         4 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said lignin peroxidase enzymatic activity is a modified form of isoenzyme H2. 
     
     
         5 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said lignin peroxidase is a dephosphorylated form of lignin peroxidase isoenzyme H2. 
     
     
         6 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said extract is sterilized with a 0.45 μM filter membrane. 
     
     
         7 . The aqueous extract of  claim 6 , wherein said extract is purified by ultrafiltration with a 10-kDa-cutoff. 
     
     
         8 . The aqueous extract of  claim 7 , wherein said extract is purified by HPLC-anion exchange chromatography. 
     
     
         9 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said aqueous extract has a pH of 4.7. 
     
     
         10 . The aqueous extract of  claim 1 , wherein said lignin peroxidase activity is determined by oxidation of veratryl alcohol to veratryl aldehyde.