Scientists in Bradford searching for a new acne cure have been chosen to spearhead an international challenge that could pave the way for new skin treatments.

Medical research firm Syntopix Group has secured backing for a 30- day international research challenge into designing formulas for skincare products.

Winning the research funding has been described by company bosses as a ‘huge boost’ for its reputation.

Syntopix, which operates from Bradford University’s Institute for Pharmaceutical Innovation, is one of only two applicants out of 20 to win support from Intelligent Formulation, which supports businesses in compound formulation.

Intelligent Formulation will fund the project that will see Syntopix work with experts from across the globe to characterise microemulsions made from environmentally friendly surfactants, especially those used to make skincare cosmetics.

It is hoped the findings will help scientists to formulate new cosmetic, pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Microemulsions are a commercially important ingredient used in products including foods, cosmetics and medicines as well as inks, lubricants and cleaning fluids.

Syntopix chief executive Dr Steve Jones said: “Taking part in this challenge is very important to Syntopix and I am pleased we have been selected.

“Formulating microemulsions can be problematic due to its trial and error nature and is made all the more difficult by the lack of physical parameters available to inform their design. Our research project will help determine some of these essential parameters to speed up selection of ingredients.”

Dr Jim Bullock, chief executive of Intelligent Formulation, said: “All the assessors were very impressed with the Syntopix proposal because it will benefit not only their business, but also the wider formulation network from which we attract our members.”

Syntopix will be working with Professor Steven Abbott, of Leeds University, Professor Edgar Acosta, of the University of Toronto, and will use facilities in Amsterdam to screen a large range of surfactants.

Work is under way on the research and practical is scheduled to finish in January. Publication of the findings is planned for April.

Syntopix has developed working relationships with major consumer healthcare companies including Proctor & Gamble.

In April, it signed a deal with leading skin and mouth disease specialist Sinclair Pharma plc to identify an antimicrobial compound for a key product.