Hot mineral springs microbial mats: dermatology and cosmetics applications

Abstract

Dermatology and thermal cosmetics have achieved in recent years considerable success, associated with new technologies and scientific progress. The microbial mats (peloids and gleinas) have interesting properties with numerous benefits in therapeutic with natural products, although some commercial applications have not adequate scientific justification. By culture methods, biochemical, molecular biology and light, confocal and electron microscopy, microbial mats have been characterized from different mineral springs Cervantes (Ciudad Real) and El Raposo (Badajoz) (bicarbonate waters); Carratraca (Malaga) and Alhama de Granada (sulphated waters). The bicarbonate ones present more diatoms (Navicula, Fragilaria, Synedra); and the sulfated have sulfur bacteria (Beggiatoa, Thiothrix). Both types have green algae (Cosmarium), cyanobacteria (Oscillatoria, Lyngbya, Gleocapsa), green phototrophs bacteria (Chloflexus) and anaerobic bacteria purples phototrophs (Rhodomicrobium) and sulfatoreductoras. We found no-culturable microorganisms that indicate the possible existence of new species. Its application in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology therapeutics is a promising future prospect.