Antioxidants from Food and Food Wastes for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Fields, 2nd Edition

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: polyphenols; bioactive compounds; analytical methods; antioxidant activity; food processing; chemometrics; functional ingredients; bioaccessibility
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Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Largo Donegani 2, 28100 Novara, Italy
Interests: dietary fibers; functional foods; food ingredients; polyphenols; antioxidants; food biotechnology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In light of the strong response to our previous Special Issue, entitled “Antioxidants from Food and Food Wastes for Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Fields”, we have decided to revisit and further develop this topic in the present Special Issue. The potential of food and agri-food wastes as sustainable sources of antioxidant compounds is considerable. While the potential of antioxidants from natural sources is vast, and their exploitation is now essential in the context of green and circular economies in multiple fields, challenges related to extraction, characterization, stability, and bioavailability remain.

Antioxidant compounds derived from food and agricultural byproducts can play an important role in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications, providing health benefits through their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties and also developing specific activities. However, their successful use depends on the development of efficient extraction processes and innovative formulations that enhance their efficacy, stability, and bioavailability.

The second edition of this Special Issue aims to further explore and deepen our understanding of these challenges by focusing on advanced extraction methods, the development of novel formulations, and the implementation of sustainable technologies. We invite the submission of original research articles and reviews that expand current knowledge, advance the design of functional ingredients and products, and propose innovative solutions to enhance the stability (both during storage and after processing), bioavailability, and delivery of antioxidant compounds derived from food and related wastes or byproducts. In recognition of the central importance of this field, contributions addressing analytical methods for the characterization of antioxidant compounds and the evaluation of their bioactivity will also be considered. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions.

Prof. Dr. Monica Locatelli
Guest Editor

Dr. Vincenzo Disca
Guest Editor Assistant

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Keywords

  • phenolic compounds
  • analytical methods
  • bioactivities
  • green extraction
  • functional ingredients
  • food supplements
  • byproducts and up-cycled ingredients
  • nutraceutical
  • cosmetics
  • bioaccessibility

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 2974 KB  
Article
Sustainable Valorization of Gelatin Capsule Waste: Physicochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Derived Hydrolysates
by Khanittha Chinarak, Pudthaya Kumnerdsiri, Anurak Uchuwittayakul, Kanrawee Hunsakul, Jaksuma Pongsetkul, Samart Sai-ut, Supatra Karnjanapratum, Saroat Rawdkuen and Passakorn Kingwascharapong
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 776; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060776 - 22 Jun 2026
Viewed by 550
Abstract
Gelatin capsule waste (GCW), a protein-rich by-product, represents a promising substrate for the generation of potential bioactive substances, including free amino acids and other soluble substances generated during enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, gelatin hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 10% [...] Read more.
Gelatin capsule waste (GCW), a protein-rich by-product, represents a promising substrate for the generation of potential bioactive substances, including free amino acids and other soluble substances generated during enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, gelatin hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) ranging from 10% to 40% were produced using the commercial enzymes NS AC0106 (endopeptidase) and NS AC0107 (aminopeptidase) to enhance their functional properties. Increasing DH significantly improved antioxidant activity, surface hydrophobicity, and emulsifying capacity (p < 0.05), while sterilization further enhanced antioxidant capacity. Structural analyses confirmed extensive protein degradation and conformational modifications, as evidenced by SDS–PAGE (formation of low-molecular-weight substances), FTIR (shifts in the amide I region), and NMR (release of free amino acids). Electronic tongue analysis indicated that enzymatic hydrolysis enhanced umami and salty taste attributes. Notably, hydrolysis using NS AC0107 at 40% DH resulted in the highest antioxidant activity, together with pronounced umami taste and low bitterness. Overall, GCW-derived hydrolysates show considerable potential as functional ingredients and provide a sustainable strategy for the valorization of protein-rich industrial by-products. Full article
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22 pages, 755 KB  
Article
Green Extraction of Phenolic Compounds from Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) By-Products Using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents for Cosmetic Applications
by Yassine Jaouhari, Giuseppe Morreale, Lorella Giovannelli, Elia Bari, Hélder Oliveira, Nuno Mateus, Alessandro Candiani, Beatriz Gullón, Matteo Bordiga, Jean Daniel Coïsson and Pedro Ferreira-Santos
Antioxidants 2026, 15(6), 744; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox15060744 - 11 Jun 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 952
Abstract
The valorization of agri-food by-products generated during juice extraction represents a key strategy within circular economy frameworks, as it reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal while creating added value and improving the food supply chain. In this work, five betaine-based natural deep [...] Read more.
The valorization of agri-food by-products generated during juice extraction represents a key strategy within circular economy frameworks, as it reduces the environmental impact of waste disposal while creating added value and improving the food supply chain. In this work, five betaine-based natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) differing in their hydrogen-bond donors, namely citric acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, glycerol, and ethylene glycol, were used for the green extraction of blueberry pomace, a largely underutilized by-product that is nevertheless rich in bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized by liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array and tandem mass spectrometric detection, allowing targeted profiling of anthocyanins and non-anthocyanin phenolics, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic aldehydes. The extraction performance of NaDES was benchmarked against conventional solvents (water and ethanol) to evaluate differences in selectivity and efficiency toward distinct phenolic classes. Antioxidant capacity was determined using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays. Among the NaDES systems, the betaine–citric acid NaDES extract exhibited notable phenolic recovery together with marked radical scavenging activity. After evaluating its inhibitory activity against elastase and tyrosinase, enzymes involved in the skin aging process, the selected NaDES extract was incorporated into a natural-based antiaging cosmetic formulation, and its main physicochemical properties were assessed to verify suitability for topical application. This study demonstrated that the use of NaDES represents an environmentally friendly and sustainable approach to transform blueberry by-products into high-value, safe, and ready-to-use cosmetic functional ingredients without the need for solvent removal. Full article
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