Search Results (684)

Seeds of Cucurbitaceae crops represent a promising yet underexplored source of bioactive compounds with potential applications beyond nutrition, particularly in the cosmetics industry. This review examines the seeds of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon), Cucumis melo (melon), and Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin), focusing on their biochemical composition and evaluating their functional value in natural cosmetic development. Although these fruits are widely consumed, industrial processing generates substantial seed by-products that are often discarded. These seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals, positioning them as sustainable raw materials for value-added applications. The incorporation of seed-derived extracts into cosmetic formulations offers multiple skin and hair benefits, including antioxidant activity, hydration, and support in managing conditions such as hyperpigmentation, acne, and psoriasis. They also contribute to hair care by improving oil balance, reducing frizz, and enhancing strand nourishment. However, challenges such as environmental instability and low dermal permeability of seed oils have prompted interest in nanoencapsulation technologies to improve delivery, stability, and efficacy. This review summarizes current scientific findings and highlights the potential of Cucurbitaceae seeds as innovative and sustainable ingredients for cosmetic and personal care applications. Full article

Plasma-activated water (PAW), enriched with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), presents oxidative and antimicrobial characteristics with potential in cosmetic applications. This study examined the effects of two PAW formulations—nitrate-rich (PAW-N) and peroxide-rich (PAW-P)—on human hair types classified as straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), and coily/kinky (Type 4). The impact of PAW on hair structure and chemistry was evaluated using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and physicochemical analyses of the liquids (pH, ORP, conductivity, and TDS). PAW-N, with high nitrate content (~500 mg/L), low pH (2.15), and elevated conductivity (6244 µS/cm), induced significant damage to porous hair types, including disulfide bond cleavage, protein oxidation, and lipid degradation, as indicated by FTIR and EDS data. SEM confirmed severe cuticle disruption. In contrast, PAW-P, containing >25 mg/L of hydrogen peroxide and exhibiting milder acidity and lower ionic strength, caused more localized and controlled oxidation with minimal morphological damage. Straight hair showed greater resistance to both treatments, while coily and wavy hair were more susceptible, particularly to PAW-N. These findings suggest that the formulation and ionic profile of PAW should be matched to hair porosity for safe oxidative treatments, supporting the use of PAW-P as a gentler alternative in hair care technologies. Full article

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), nanoscale membrane-enclosed particles, are natural carriers of proteins and nucleic acids. Microalgae are widely used as a source of bioactive substances in the food and cosmetic industries and definitely have a potential to be used as the producers of EVs for biomedical applications. In this study, the extracellular vesicles isolated from the culture medium of two unicellular microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamy-EVs) and Parachlorella kessleri (Chlore-EVs), were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), cryo-electronic microscopy (cryo-EM), and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The biocompatibility with human cells in vitro (HEK-293T, DF-2 and A172) and biodistribution in mouse organs and tissues in vivo were tested for both microalgal EVs. An exogenous therapeutic protein, human heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), was successfully loaded to Chlamy- and Chlore-EVs, and its efficient delivery to human glioma and colon carcinoma cell lines has been confirmed. Additionally, in order to search for potential therapeutic biomolecules within the EVs, their proteomes have been characterized. A total of 105 proteins were identified for Chlamy-EVs and 33 for Chlore-EVs. The presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase in the Chlamy-EV constituents allows for considering them as antioxidant agents. The effective delivery of exogenous cargo to human cells and the possibility of the particle yield optimization by varying the microalgae growth conditions make them favorable producers of EVs for biotechnology and biomedical application. Full article

Phycocyanin is a natural, non-toxic, blue pigment-protein with many commercial applications. Its exploitation in various biotechnological sectors strongly depends on its purity grade (P). Phycocyanin is largely used in food industry where a low purity grade is required, while its widespread use in sectors requiring a higher purity is hampered by the cost of large-scale industrial production. Industry, in fact, needs simple, easily scalable and cost-effective procedures to ensure sustainable production of high-quality pigment. In this work we applied the innovative two-step ultrasound-based process UltraBlu to the pilot-scale production of phycocyanin. A total of 50 L of biomass suspension of commercial Spirulina were processed in batch mode. The pigment extract was obtained in one day, including the biomass harvesting. Food/cosmetic grade (P = 1.41–1.76) and a good yield (Y = 59.2–76.1%) were achieved. The initial results obtained suggest that UltraBlu can be an effective scalable process suitable to produce phycocyanin also on an industrial scale. Full article

Type I collagen is a major protein in animals, and its hydrolyzed products, collagen peptides, have wide-ranging applications. This article reviews collagen peptides’ preparation methods, biological activities, and application progress in the fields of food, cosmetics, and medicine. By employing various extraction and hydrolysis methods, collagen peptides with different molecular weights can be obtained, and their biological activities are closely related to their molecular weight and amino acid sequence. Studies have revealed that collagen peptides possess a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, hematopoietic promotion, osteogenic differentiation promotion, antihypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects. In the food industry, their antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties have opened new avenues for the development of healthy foods; in the cosmetics field, the moisturizing, anti-aging, and repair functions of collagen peptides are favored by consumers; in the medical field, collagen peptides are used in wound dressings, drug carriers, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Looking to the future, the development of green and efficient preparation technologies for collagen peptides and in-depth research into the relationship between their structure and function will be important research directions. The multifunctional properties of collagen peptides provide a broad prospect for their further application in the health industry. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a linear heteropolysaccharide that naturally occurs in vertebrates. Thanks to its unique physico-chemical properties, it is involved in many key processes in living organisms. These biological activities provide the basis for its broad applications in cosmetics, medicine, and the food industry. The molecular weight of HA might vary significantly, as it can be less than 10 kDa or reach more than 6000 kDa. There is a strong correlation between variations in its molecular weight and bioactivities, as well as with various pathological processes. Consequently, monodispersity is a crucial requirement for HA production, together with purity and safety. Common industrial approaches, such as extraction from animal sources and microbial fermentation, have limits in fulfilling these requests. Research and protein engineering with hyaluronic acid synthases can provide a strong tool for the production of monodisperse HA. One-pot multi-enzyme reactions that include in situ nucleotide phosphate regeneration systems might represent the future of HA production. In this review, we explore the current knowledge about HA, its production, hyaluronic synthases, the most recent stage of in vitro enzymatic synthesis research, and one-pot approaches. Full article

Chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is an edible nut recognized for its nutritional attributes, particularly its elevated levels of carbohydrates (starch) and proteins. Chestnuts are popular for their health-promoting properties and hold significant environmental and economic importance in Europe. During this study, after the characterization of the fruit, attention was directed toward the valorization of chestnut shells, a predominant by-product of industrial chestnut processing that is typically discarded. Valuable bioactive compounds were extracted from the shells using Pressurized Liquid Extraction (PLE), a green, efficient, scalable method. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to determine optimal extraction conditions, identified as 40% v/v ethanol as the solvent at a temperature of 160 °C for 25 min under a constant pressure of 1700 psi. High total polyphenol content (113.68 ± 7.84 mg GAE/g dry weight) and notable antioxidant activity—determined by FRAP (1320.28 ± 34.33 μmol AAE/g dw) and DPPH (708.65 ± 24.8 μmol AAE/g dw) assays—were recorded in the optimized extracts. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a hybrid trap ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-TIMS-QTOF-MS) was applied to further characterize the compound profile, enabling the identification of phenolic and antioxidant compounds. These findings highlight the possibility of using chestnut shell residues as a long-term resource to make valuable products for the food, medicine, cosmetics, and animal feed industries. This study contributes to the advancement of waste valorization strategies and circular bioeconomy approaches. Full article

In the context of modern dermocosmetic development, multifunctional topical gel-cream formulations must be efficient for both therapeutic efficacy and cosmetic applications. This study presents a comparative physicochemical and pharmacotechnical analysis of three topical gel-cream formulations developed by Brand Chanand^®: Acne Control Cleanser (ACC), Acne Face Cream (AFC), and Gentle Cream Cleanser Serum Control, Regenerating, Hydrating, Calming (IRC). Each formulation is enriched with a specific blend of bioactive compounds, including botanical oils, vitamins, and proteins, designed to treat acne, to support skin regeneration, and to maintain the skin barrier. A multidisciplinary approach was used, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological evaluation, pH and density determination, spreadability analysis, and oxidative stability testing to evaluate the products. Antioxidant capacity was assessed through multiple in vitro assays. The results demonstrated that all three gel-cream formulations exhibit pseudoplastic rheological behaviour, suitable for topical application. AFC showed the highest oxidative stability and antioxidant activity, while IRC presented superior spreadability and cosmetic efficacy, likely due to its complex composition. ACC displayed faster absorption and was ideal for targeted use on oily or acne-prone skin. The differences observed in the stability and performance suggest that the ingredient synergy, base composition, and solubility profiles show notable variations in dermato-cosmetic formulations. These findings highlight the formulation–performance relationship in topical gel-cream formulations and support the development of new cosmetic products tailored for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Full article

Low-molecular-weight polypeptides (<3 kDa) were prepared from Periplaneta americana via enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrafiltration, yielding 3.53 ± 0.01 mg/g of peptide-rich extract. The extract was primarily composed of peptides, proteins, polysaccharides, phenolics, and flavonoids. HPLC-MS analysis identified 1402 peptide sequences, 80.51% of which were below 1000 Da, predominantly consisting of tri-, tetra-, and octapeptides. Monosaccharide profiling detected D-(+)-galactose, and quantitative assays determined the contents of total phenolics (12.28 mg/g), flavonoids (15.50 mg/g), proteins (85.84 mg/g), and total sugars (17.62 mg/g). The biological activities of the extract were systematically evaluated. The peptide fraction inhibited hyaluronidase activity by 58% at 5 mg/mL, suggesting protection of extracellular matrix integrity. In HaCaT keratinocytes, it promoted cell proliferation by 62.6%, accelerated scratch wound closure by 54%, upregulated Wnt-10b and β-catenin expression, and reduced intracellular ROS levels under oxidative stress. In LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, the extract decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β production by 30%, 25%, and 28%, respectively, reduced MDA levels by 35.2%, and enhanced CAT and SOD activities by 12.3% and 60.3%. In vivo, complete closure of full-thickness skin wounds in mice was achieved by day 14. Safety evaluations using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay and human patch tests confirmed the extract to be non-irritating and non-toxic. These findings highlight Periplaneta americana extract as a promising multifunctional bioactive ingredient for cosmetic and dermatological applications. Further studies on its active components, mechanisms of action, and clinical efficacy are warranted to support its development in skin health and aesthetic medicine. Full article

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by persistent erythema and telangiectasia, often accompanied by skin barrier disruption and abnormal angiogenesis. Currently, peptide-based therapies for rosacea are limited, and existing drugs still present certain limitations and side effects. Peptides have the advantage of being relatively safe and exhibiting high target specificity, which can reduce the risk of adverse effects. Considering these points, this study aimed to explore the adhesive peptide AdhPep3 (AYDPGYK) as a potential therapeutic candidate for rosacea. AdhPep3 was designed based on protein sequences with cell junction properties and has the potential to enhance skin barrier-related protein expression by improving cell–cell adhesion and increasing adhesion-related protein levels. In LL-37-stimulated HaCaT cells, AdhPep3 effectively alleviated skin inflammation and inhibited the Toll-like receptor–nuclear factor kappa B (TLR2–NFκB) signaling pathway. Additionally, in LL-37-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), it reduced cell migration and the expression of angiogenesis-related proteins. Since AdhPep3 demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects at the in vitro level, it may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for rosacea. Moreover, by increasing the expression of skin barrier and tight junction-related proteins, AdhPep3 shows potential for development as a cosmetic ingredient to improve skin health. Full article

Lavender species hold substantial economic importance due to their widespread cultivation for essential oils (EOs). Lavender EOs contain terpenes essential for industries such as cosmetics, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. In the biosynthetic pathway of EOs, Lavandula angustifolia bornyl diphosphate synthase (LaBPPS) catalyzes the conversion of geranyl diphosphate (GPP) to bornyl diphosphate (BPP). However, the functional mechanisms of LaBPPS remain poorly understood. Here, we conducted mutational experiments based on the molecular docking results, and found that mutations at positions D356A, D360A, R497A, D501A, or E508A led to a 50- to 100-fold reduction in the activity. Deletion of region 1–58 (∆1–58) did not affect activity compared to the wild-type (WT) protein, while deletions of regions 1–74 or 59–74 (∆1–74 or ∆59–74) significantly decreased the activity. Conversely, deletion of residues 578–602 (∆578–602) dramatically increased the activity. The LaBPPS gene showed dramatically higher expression levels in flowers compared to other tissues (stems, leaves and roots), peaking at 8:00. Our results provide valuable insights into EO biosynthesis in lavender and suggest potential strategies for genetic engineering aimed at improving EO quality. Full article

A transdermal drug delivery system based on hydrogel patches was explored, leveraging their sustained release properties and biocompatibility. Despite these advantages, conventional hydrogels often lack proper adhesion to the skin, limiting their practical application. To address this issue, we designed a skin-adhesive hydrogel using a polyacrylamide (PAM)/polydopamine (PDA) dual-network structure. The matrix combines the mechanical toughness of PAM with the strong adhesive properties of PDA, derived from mussel foot proteins, enabling firm tissue attachment and robust performance under physiological conditions. To demonstrate its applicability, the hydrogel was integrated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles encapsulating the hydrophobic antioxidant vitamin E as a model compound. The resulting PAM/PDA@VitE hydrogel system exhibited improved swelling behavior, high water retention, and prolonged release of α-tocopherol. These results suggest that the PAM/PDA hydrogel platform is a versatile vehicle not only for vitamin E, but also for the transdermal delivery of various cosmetic and therapeutic agents. Full article

Donkey milk has received increasing attention in recent years due to its unique nutritional composition and potential biological activities. This comprehensive review analyzed the main nutritional components of donkey milk, including proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, while also examining its significant biological activities such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. The protein profile of donkey milk is notable for its high proportion of whey proteins (55–65%), resembling human milk more closely than cow milk. Its relatively low-fat content (approximately 1.29%) with higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids provides nutritional advantages for specific dietary needs. The carbohydrate content, primarily lactose, contributes to energy provision and calcium absorption. Donkey milk is also distinguished by its rich vitamin profile, particularly vitamin C (about 4.75 times higher than cow milk), and essential minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. The biological activities of donkey milk extend to various applications in infant nutrition, particularly for children with cow milk protein allergies, potential medical treatments for infections and inflammatory conditions, and cosmetic formulations. Despite these promising attributes, the donkey milk industry faces challenges including low milk yield, lack of standardized production methods, and quality control measures. The sustainable development of the donkey milk industry requires comprehensive approaches to resource protection, technological innovation, brand building, and supportive policies to realize its full potential in contributing to human health and economic development. Full article

Background/Objectives: Research efforts and substantial funding have been dedicated to finding cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Probiotics have been proposed as promising substitutes for antibiotics in human nutrition and livestock production; however, their functional mechanisms remain incompletely understood, limiting their sustainable applications as food supplements, feed additives and for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. Methods: In this study, the probiotic potential of two bacterial genomes, Ligilactobacillus saerimneri and Ligilactobacillus salivarius, were explored. Their protein-coding hypothetical proteins were analyzed for their potential to induce interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13). Results: The IL-5- and IL-13-inducing peptides were identified as immunogens against bacterial and tumor peptides. Conclusions: These findings provide insights into the probiotic bacteria’s immune functionality pathways, sustainability and potential as therapeutic feed additives, food supplements and candidates for vaccine development. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the stabilization of natural biologically active compounds in order to expand their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Such compounds, such as polyphenols, essential fatty acids, or vitamins, are extremely sensitive to environmental factors. This study aims to review the spray-drying-based microencapsulation technology and its application for stabilizing sensitive biologically active substances. Methods: This article systematically analyzes the main steps of the spray-drying microencapsulation process and discusses traditional and innovative wall materials, including natural polymers (polysaccharides and proteins), as well as new raw material sources (e.g., yeast cells, canola and pea protein isolates, and hemicelluloses). It also examines the potential of these systems for the stimulated release of active ingredients. Results: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the main stages of the spray-drying process and critically examines both conventional (e.g., maltodextrin and gum Arabic) and innovative wall materials (e.g., plant-based proteins and food industry by-products). Studies show that using different wall materials can achieve high encapsulation efficiency, improve the stability of biologically active substances, and control their release. Various compounds have been successfully microencapsulated—polyphenols, essential oils, carotenoids, fatty acids, and vitamins—protecting them from oxidation, light, and temperature. The review identifies key factors that can enhance product quality, increase encapsulation yield, and reduce processing costs and energy input—offering meaningful insights for optimizing the microencapsulation process. Conclusions: Spray-drying-based microencapsulation is an advanced technology that effectively protects sensitive active ingredients and allows for wider industrial food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications. In the future, more attention is expected to be paid to personalized formulations, stimulated release systems, and sustainable wall materials from by-products. Full article