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Marine Drugs
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Algae-Powered Skincare: Innovations in Marine-Derived Cosmeceuticals
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Algae-Powered Skincare: Innovations in Marine-Derived Cosmeceuticals

A special issue of Marine Drugs (ISSN 1660-3397). This special issue belongs to the section "Marine-Derived Ingredients for Drugs, Cosmeceuticals and Nutraceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2026) | Viewed by 5726

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Gonçalo Pereira da Rosa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Centre for Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Changes (cE3c), Azorean Biodiversity Group & Global Change and Sustainability Institute (CHANGE), 9501-321 Ponta Delgada, Portugal
2. LAQV-REQUIMTE, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
Interests: natural product chemistry; isolation and identification; chromatographic techniques; synthesis and structural modification; cosmeceutical activities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Marine macroalgae are a rich source of bioactive compounds with transformative potential in cosmeceutical applications. This Special Issue will highlight cutting-edge research into the extraction, characterization, and application of macroalgal-derived compounds in skincare. Emphasis will be placed on their multifunctional properties, including antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, UV-protective, and anti-hyperpigmentation effects. Of particular interest are studies that explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these bioactivities, as well as innovative approaches to sustainable extraction and formulation.

Hyperpigmentation, a key cosmetic concern, will be a focal area, with contributions examining macroalgal compounds that regulate melanogenesis and promote an even skin tone. Submissions bridging traditional uses of marine algae in dermatology with modern scientific validation are also encouraged.

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for interdisciplinary studies that advance the understanding of marine algae-derived cosmeceuticals, fostering innovation at the intersection of marine science, biotechnology, and skincare. Researchers are invited to contribute original articles, reviews, and case studies addressing these themes.

Dr. Gonçalo Rosa
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Marine Drugs is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • marine macroalgae
  • cosmeceuticals
  • bioactive compounds
  • skincare
  • anti-aging
  • antioxidants
  • hyperpigmentation
  • UV protection
  • sustainable extraction
  • dermatological applications

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 1615 KB  
Article
Microalgal Exosome-like Nanovesicles from Nannochloropsis oculata Attenuate Melanogenesis Through Tyrosinase Inhibition in B16-F10 Melanoma Cells
by Liangquan Xie, Chaoxuan Wu, Weilin Du, Jiaying Chen, Zijie He, Tingting Li, Chuangye Yang, Yuewen Deng and Zhe Zheng
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(3), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24030107 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 1090
Abstract
As primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, microalgae function not only as a natural source of nourishment for several economically important aquatic species but also as reservoirs of bioactive molecules. Microalgae can secrete exosome-like nanoparticles that transport functional biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic [...] Read more.
As primary producers in aquatic ecosystems, microalgae function not only as a natural source of nourishment for several economically important aquatic species but also as reservoirs of bioactive molecules. Microalgae can secrete exosome-like nanoparticles that transport functional biomolecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids, into the extracellular milieu, thereby mediating intercellular signaling and eliciting ecological or biomedical responses. Although plant-derived exosome-like nanoparticles have attracted attention for their utility in drug delivery and dermatology, the functional properties of microalgae-derived nanoparticles—particularly from species extensively applied in aquaculture—remain inadequately characterized. In this study, exosome-like nanovesicles were isolated from Nannochloropsis oculata (N-ELNs), a microalgal species widely used in aquaculture, and their skin-whitening potential was evaluated using the B16-F10 mouse melanoma cell model. The highest N-ELN yield was observed during the adaptation, exponential, and stationary growth phases. Uptake analyses confirmed the efficient internalization of N-ELNs by B16-F10 cells. Cell counting kit-8 assays indicated that N-ELNs exhibited no cytotoxic effects on melanoma cells or normal human dermal fibroblasts (HFF-1). Scratch wound healing assays revealed that N-ELNs exerted no significant effect on cellular migration. In B16-F10 cells, N-ELNs suppressed tyrosinase activity by downregulating Mitf and its downstream genes Tyr and Tyrp1, resulting in a substantial reduction in melanin synthesis (p < 0.05). The inhibitory effects of N-ELNs on melanin production, tyrosinase activity, and gene expression of Tyr, Tyrp1, and Mitf were comparable to those of the positive control, arbutin. Collectively, these findings suggest that N. oculata exhibits promising skin-whitening properties, providing a novel perspective for clinical applications and supporting the high-value utilization of the microalgae aquaculture industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae-Powered Skincare: Innovations in Marine-Derived Cosmeceuticals)
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14 pages, 1009 KB  
Article
Botryococcene Inhibits UV-B-Induced Photoaging by Scavenging Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species
by Hiromi Kurokawa and Makoto M. Watanabe
Mar. Drugs 2026, 24(2), 57; https://doi.org/10.3390/md24020057 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 850
Abstract
Sunlight exposure contributes to human health; however, excessive light exposure to skin, especially ultraviolet B (UV-B), can produce high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce inflammation. Some antioxidants, such as squalene, can prevent UV-B-induced inflammation. C34H58 botryococcene is [...] Read more.
Sunlight exposure contributes to human health; however, excessive light exposure to skin, especially ultraviolet B (UV-B), can produce high amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induce inflammation. Some antioxidants, such as squalene, can prevent UV-B-induced inflammation. C34H58 botryococcene is the most common triterpene hydrocarbon produced by green alga Botryococcus braunii; it is biosynthesized via a pathway similar to squalene and appears to have a similar chemical structure to squalene. However, there are no reports on the bioactivity of botryococcene. In this study, we evaluated that botryococcene can prevent the skin photoaging. Using ESR assay, botryococcene could not scavenge any ROS. However, treatment of epidermis cells with the botryococcene significantly suppressed intracellular ROS production by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and attenuated H2O2 cytotoxicity. Botryococcene enhanced the antioxidant enzymes in gastric cells, thus botryococcene may scavenge ROS indirectly, not directly. Moreover, botryococcene inhibited production of intracellular interleukin-1 and exhibited suppression of melanogenesis activity by UV-B irradiation. Addition of botryococcene-treated epidermal cells culture medium mitigated the increase in matrix metalloproteinase-1 production and the decrease in type I collagen production induced by UV-B irradiation in dermis cells. These results showed that botryococcene has anti-photoaging effects, including preventing wrinkles and blemishes on the skin. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae-Powered Skincare: Innovations in Marine-Derived Cosmeceuticals)
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24 pages, 3323 KB  
Article
Aphanizomenon flos-aquae: A Biorefinery for Health and Energy—Unleashing Phycocyanin’s Power and Biogas Potential
by Pilar Águila-Carricondo, Raquel García-García, Juan Pablo de la Roche, Pedro Luis Galán, Luis Fernando Bautista, Juan J. Espada and Gemma Vicente
Mar. Drugs 2025, 23(6), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/md23060225 - 24 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3310
Abstract
This study presents a biorefinery approach for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, demonstrating its potential as a dual source for phycocyanin and biogas. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using the ABTS•+ assay, while flow cytometry determined its cytotoxic effects on breast [...] Read more.
This study presents a biorefinery approach for Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, demonstrating its potential as a dual source for phycocyanin and biogas. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was evaluated using the ABTS•+ assay, while flow cytometry determined its cytotoxic effects on breast cancer (HCC1806) and brain glioma (U-118 MG) cell lines, comparing pure C-phycocyanin to the non-purified extract. The non-purified extract scavenged 77% of ABTS•+ radicals at 2.4 mg/mL, compared to 22% for pure C-phycocyanin. In U-118 MG cells, pure C-phycocyanin accounted for 55.5% of the 29.9 ± 6.1% total mortality observed with the non-purified extract at 0.75 mg/mL. HCC1806 cytotoxicity (80.9 ± 5.1% at 1 mg/mL) was attributed to synergistic effects of other extract components. The spent biomass was valorized through anaerobic digestion for biogas production, enhancing process sustainability. At a 2:1 inoculum-to-substrate ratio, the anaerobic digestion of the spent biomass yielded 447 ± 18 mL CH4/gVS, significantly higher than the 351 ± 19 mL CH4/gVS from the initial biomass. LCA estimated the environmental impacts of the A. flos-aquae biorefinery for phycocyanin production, targeting the cosmetic, food, and nutraceutical sectors, and highlighting the benefits of spent biomass valorization to produce biogas within a circular economy framework. This integrated approach demonstrates the potential of A. flos-aquae for the sustainable production of high-value compounds and renewable energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Algae-Powered Skincare: Innovations in Marine-Derived Cosmeceuticals)
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