The science behind the skin
Long before founding Nomige, Dr. Barbara Geusens was a skin scientist. Her academic career began at Ghent University, where she specialized in dermatological research. Her work focused on developing innovative technologies to deliver active ingredients to the skin—with a particular focus on genetic therapies such as siRNA. She conducted groundbreaking research at the intersection of medicine, pharmacy, and skincare.
International collaboration and publications in top journals
Dr. Geusens collaborated with leading scientists at home and abroad, including at Queensland University in Australia. She published her findings in highly regarded scientific journals such as Advanced Functional Materials , Journal of Investigative Dermatology , and Journal of Controlled Release . In these journals, she described, among other things, how liposomal nanoparticles can be used to influence pigmentation processes in the skin—a technique that remains cutting-edge today.
Recognized expert in dermatological research
Her expertise led not only to scientific articles but also to invitations to speak at international conferences in countries including Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. She also led various research projects and mentored young researchers in developing new therapies for skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation and psoriasis. Her pioneering work in non-invasive delivery systems is considered groundbreaking in dermatological science today.
From lab to practice: the scientific basis of Nomige
The knowledge Dr. Geusens gained as a researcher forms the scientific backbone of Nomige. The insights from her years of research into skin structure, genetic variation, and transdermal technologies have been translated into personalized skincare tailored to the user's DNA. What once began in the lab has found a tangible and innovative application in everyday life through Nomige.
Discover the publications
Curious about the scientific publications of Dr. Barbara Geusens?
Take a look at her research overview and discover how science and skin care reinforce each other.
Conference proceedings
Van Gele, M., Geusens, B., Naeyart, JM, Lambert, J. Downregulation of melanosome-interacting isoforms of myosin Va by exon-specific RNA interference blocks melanosome transport in primary human melanocytes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2007, 127: 51-51
(IF2008=5.251)
Van Gele, M., Geusens, B ., Lambert, J. RNA interference of myosin Va exon F isoforms in primary human melanocytes: an alternative to treat hyperpigmentation. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2008, 128: 220-220 (IF2008=5,251)
Geusens, B. , Van Gele, M., De Smedt, Sanders, N., and Lambert, J. Ultradeformable liposomes for delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into human primary melanocytes. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2008, 128: 220-220 (IF2008=5,251)
Geusens, B. , Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J. Flexible nanosomes enable siRNA activity in cultured primary melanocytes and siRNA penetration in the viable epidermis of ex vivo human skin after topical application. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2010, 23: e1-e40 (IF2010=4,344)
Van Gele, M., Geusens, B ., Speeckaert, R., Dynoodt, P., Vanhoecke, B., Van den Bossche, K. and Lambert, J. Development of a 3D pigmented skin model to evaluate RNAi-induced depigmentation. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research. 2010, 23: e1-e40 (IF2010=4,344)
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Van Gele, M., Geusens, B. , Schmitt, A.M., Aguilar, L., Lambert, J. Knockdown of Myosin Va Isoforms by RNAi as a Tool to Block
Melanosome Transport in Primary Human Melanocytes. J. Invest. Dermat. 2008, 128(10); 2474-2484. (IF2008=5,251)
Geusens, B. , Lambert, J., De Smedt, S.C., Buyens, K., Sanders, N., Van Gele, M. Ultradeformable Cationic Liposomes for Delivery of Small Interfering RNA (siRNA) into Human Primary Melanocytes. Journal of controlled release 2009, 133(3); 214-220. (IF2007=5,690)
Geusens, B. , Sanders, N., Prow, T., Van Gele, M., Lambert, J. Cutaneous short-interfering RNA therapy. Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, 2009, 6(12); 1-17. (IF2009=3,345) Invited review
Geusens, B. , Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J. Flexible Nanosomes (SECosomes) enable efficient siRNA delivery in Cultured Primary skin cells and in the viable epidermis of Ex Vivo Human Skin. Advanced Functional Materials. (IF2008= 6,808) In press
Lambert, J.*, Bostoen, J.*, Geusens, B. , Bourgois, J., Boone, J., De Smedt, D., and Annemans, L. A novel multidisciplinary educational program for patients with chronic skin diseases: Ghent pilot project and first results. Accepted for publication in Archives of Dermatological Research (IF2010= 1,844) *Equal contribution
Geusens, B. , Strobbe, T., Bracke, S., Dynoodt, P., Sanders, NN, Van Gele, M., and Lambert, J. Lipid-mediated Gene Delivery to the Skin. Submitted to European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (IF2008=2,608)
Geusens, B.* , Van Gele, M.*, Speeckaert, R., Dynoodt, P., Van den Bossche, K. and Lambert, J. Development of a 3D pigmented skin model to evaluate RNAi-induced depigmentation. Submitted to Experimental Dermatology - under review (IF2010=3,239) *Equal contribution
Geusens, B.*, Van Gele, M.*, Bracke, S., Dynoodt, P., Thiessen, P., Sanders, NN, and Lambert, J. Topical application of nanosome
encapsulated siRNAs reduces and prevents UV-induced skin pigmentation in human skin explants. In preparation. *Equal contribution
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Lambert, J., Van Gele, M., and Geusens, B. Hyperpigmentation. Skin, 2010, 13(3); 62-67
Books & Book Chapters
Geusens, B. , Mollet, I., Anderson, CD , Terras, S., Roberts, MS and Lambert, J. Changes in skin immunity with age and disease. In: The Innate Immune System of Skin and Oral Mucosa: Properties and Impact in Pharmaceutics, Cosmetics and Personal Care Products. Eds. Dayan, N., and Wertz, P.
Geusens, B. Design, Development and Characterization of Lipid-based Nanosomes for siRNA Delivery into Human Skin. PhD thesis University Ghent, 2010 - Supervisor: Prof Dr Jo Lambert
PATENT APPLICATIONS
Geusens, B. , Sanders, NN, and Lambert, J. Cationic liposomes for delivery of high molecular weight compounds. US patent applications (PCT), June 26, 2009 (US 61/220857).
Geusens, B. Device to improve the rolling stability of a vehicle. European patent application, May 31, 2007. Appl number EP20080757052
CONFERENCES WITHOUT POSTER PRESENTATION
September 16th-22nd, 2007 - Moleda summer school – 'Non-viral gene transfer into muscle and skin' - Paris, France
July 30th - June 2nd, 2008 - Workshop on Advanced Multiphoton and FLIM Technology - Saarbrücken, Germany
CONFERENCES WITH POSTER PRESENTATION (presenting author)
May 14, 2007 – Science Day Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Ghent, Belgium
“Knockdown of Myosin Va isoforms by RNAi as a tool to block melanosome transport in primary human melanocytes” – Van Gele, M.,
Geusens, B., Schmitt, A.M., Aguilar, L., and Lambert, J.
May 14th-17th, 2008 - International Investigative Dermatology - Kyoto, Japan
1. “Ultradeformable liposomes for delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) into human primary melanocytes” – Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., De Smedt, SC, Sanders, NN, and Lambert, J.
1. “Knockdown of Myosin Va isoforms by RNAi as a tool to block melanosome transport in primary human melanocytes” – Van Gele, M., Geusens, B., Schmitt, A.M., Aguilar, L., and Lambert, J.
July 18th - 22nd, 2009 – 36th Annual meeting & Exposition of the Controlled Release Society - Copenhagen, Denmark
“Evaluation of Ethosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
February 1st - 4th, 2010 - International Conference on Drug Discovery & Therapy - Dubai, UAE
“SECosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Ex Vivo Human Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
March 7th -10th , 2010 – 12th - International Perspectives on Percutaneous Penetration Conference – La Grande Motte, France
“SECosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Ex Vivo Human Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
March 11, 2010 – Science Day Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Ghent, Belgium
1. “SECosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Ex Vivo Human Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
1. “Knockdown of Myosin Va isoforms by RNAi as a tool to block melanosome transport in primary human melanocytes” – Van Gele, M., Geusens, B., Schmitt, A.M., Aguilar, L., and Lambert, J.
May, 22nd -25th, 201 0 – Particles 2010 – Orlando, USA
“SECosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Ex Vivo Human Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
September, 4th -7th, 2010 – European Society for Pigment Cell Research – Cambridge, UK
“Flexible nanosomes enable siRNA activity in cultured primary melanocytes and siRNA penetration in the viable epidermis of ex vivo human skin after topical application” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
CONFERENCES WITH LECTURE (presenting author)
September 9th-12th, 2009 – 39th Annual ESDR meeting – Budapest, Hungary
“Evaluation of Ethosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
February 1st - 4th, 2010 - International Conference on Drug Discovery & Therapy – Dubai, UAE
“SECosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Ex Vivo Human Skin” - Geusens, B., Van Gele, M., Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
May, 22nd -25th, 2010 – Particles 2010 – Orlando, USA - Invited Speaker
“SECosomes for Delivery of siRNA into Cultured Primary Melanocytes and Ex Vivo Human Skin” - Braat, S., De Smedt, SC, Stuart, MCA, Prow, T., Sanchez, W., Roberts, MS, Sanders, NN and Lambert, J.
June, 8th -9th, 2010 – Skin in vitro – Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
“Development of a 3D pigmented skin model to evaluate RNAi-induced depigmentation” - Van Gele, M., Geusens, B. and Lambert, J.
September, 4th-7th, 2010 – European Society for Pigment Cell Research – Cambridge, UK.
“Development of a 3D pigmented skin model to evaluate RNAi-induced depigmentation” - Van Gele, M., Geusens, B., Speeckaert, R.,
Dynoodt, P., Vanhoecke, B., Van den Bossche, K. and Lambert, J.
ORGANIZATIONAL SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS
Co-chairman Session “Global Discovery Out Sourcing/ Drug Delivery” – Main lecture hall.
February 1st - 4th, 2010 - International Conference on Drug Discovery & Therapy – Dubai, UAE
February 3rd: (Chairman: G. Fricker)
RESEARCH VISITS
January 14th – May 18th, 2009 – Prof. Michael Roberts, Therapeutics Research Unit, PA Hospital, Queensland University – Brisbane, Australia
“Multiphoton and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy for the evaluation of transdermal diffusion of nanosomes through human skin”
MISCELLANEOUS
January 2007 – present: Scientific meetings for evaluation and reporting of data at 'Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre' – 3 times per year – Toulouse, France
April 2009 – present: Referee activity and invitations for various journals and publishers; Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Journal of controlled release, E-book for Bentham Journals.
August 1st, 2008 – May 22nd 2009 – Supervisor Sien Braat, Master student Bio-engineering.
Master thesis: “Synthesis and characterization of ethosomes as non-viral vectors for siRNA delivery in primary human melanocytes” In Dutch. (Promoter: Prof. Dr. Godelieve Gheysen, Co-promoter: Dr. Mireille Van Gele, Supervisor: Ir. Barbara Geusens). Result: 17/20
June 18th, 2009 – Project writing and oral defense for funding by 'Centre Européen de Recherche sur la Peau et les Epithéliums de
Revêtement' (CERPER) – Toulouse, France
Project: “Development of non-viral carriers to deliver siRNA molecules, directed agains exon F-Myosin Va, into melanocytes for the
treatment of skin hyperpigmentation” (Project bearers: Prof. Isabelle Rico-Lattes, Prof. Jo Lambert, Representatives for oral defense: Dr. Mireille Van Gele, Ir. Barbara Geusens)
September 14th 2009 – Project design for national funding by the 'Agency for Innovation by Science and Technology' (IWT Flanders), candidate Dr. Stefanie Bracke. She successfully obtained a 2-year grant.
Project: “Synthesis and characterization of non-viral liposomal carriers for the local application of siRNA molecules and antagomirs in the therapeutic treatment of psoriasis” (Promotor: Prof. Dr. Jo Lambert, Co-promoter: Ir. Barbara Geusens)
