Bio-Me co-authors skin microbiome study using quantitative profiling platform

Bio-Me said it co-authored a proof-of-concept study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology led by dsm-firmenich that maps facial skin microbes in 3D using absolute quantification. The work underscores how the company’s PMP platform can support skin microbiome research, product development and claim substantiation.

Why it matters: - The study shows how absolute microbial quantification can make skin microbiome data more precise and easier to interpret. - That matters for skincare and dermo-cosmetic R&D, where brands need site-specific data to guide product design, intervention tracking and claim support. - The work also points to a practical way to reduce sampling burden and study costs while still capturing facial microbiome variation.

What happened: - Bio-Me co-authored a proof-of-concept study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology led by dsm-firmenich. - The paper is titled “3-Dimensional Facial Skin Microbiome Mapping: An Integrated Technology for Continuous Visualization of Absolute Microbial Densities.” - The study combines absolute microbial quantification with 3D spatial interpolation to create continuous, high-resolution maps of bacterial and fungal distributions across the human face. - Bio-Me announced the publication on August 18, 2026.

The details: - Bio-Me’s quantitative PCR-based Precision Microbiome Profiling platform, PMP™, measured absolute abundances of 35 bacterial and fungal species and genera from facial skin samples. - The paper says PMP™-based quantification was validated by droplet digital PCR. - The study found marked topographical heterogeneity in core facial microbial species. - The paper identified distinct distribution patterns for Cutibacterium acnes and Malassezia restricta. - The authors said strategic selection of sampling sites may support broader facial microbiome characterization while reducing participant burden and costs. - Dr. Ana Finzel, PMP™ product owner at Bio-Me and a co-author, said the publication is an example of high-quality, application-oriented skin microbiome research enabled by PMP™. - Finzel said absolute quantification gives ingredient manufacturers, skincare developers and dermo-cosmetic brands a more robust basis for understanding how microbial taxa vary across skin sites, respond to interventions and support product-relevant insights. - Bio-Me said skin microbiome analysis is difficult because skin samples often contain low microbial biomass and substantial human background DNA. - Bio-Me said PMP™ is designed to address those challenges through targeted, sensitive and reproducible quantification of defined microbial taxa. - Bio-Me said PMP™ combines absolute quantification, quantitative accuracy, precision, fast turnaround and scalability for commercial R&D in skin, scalp and intimate care. - Bio-Me’s website for more information is company information. - Bio-Me is an Oslo-based biotechnology company focused on high-resolution microbiome analysis. - Bio-Me said PMP™ provides rapid, accurate and absolute quantification across gut, skin and vaginal microbiome applications. - Bio-Me said it supports clients in skincare, intimate care, nutrition, healthcare and life sciences. - Bio-Me CEO Dr. Arne Materna said the study shows how quantitative microbiome profiling can translate complex skin microbiome signals into actionable R&D insights for skincare and dermo-cosmetic innovation.

Between the lines: - The publication positions absolute quantification as a step beyond descriptive microbiome mapping. - The emphasis on continuous 3D visualization suggests the field is moving toward more spatially resolved, application-oriented analysis. - For Bio-Me, the study serves as a proof point for PMP™ in commercial research settings, not just academic work.

What's next: - Bio-Me said the publication reinforces the role of robust quantitative data in more interpretable research, stronger product development decisions and microbiome claim substantiation. - The company is likely to continue positioning PMP™ for client-led innovation in skin and related care categories. - The broader research approach may inform future studies that use fewer sampling points while preserving useful facial microbiome detail.