Search Results (48)

Lipid oxidation affects the quality and functionality of vegetable oils, and its progression depends largely on fatty acid composition and antioxidant content. Oxidation kinetics provide essential information about oxidative resistance in oils. The determination of activation parameters allows for the evaluation of oxidation susceptibility under thermal stress. Oxidative stability and oxidation kinetics at different temperatures of rosehip, sunflower, olive and jojoba oils were studied using both Rancimat and BQC-Redox System methods, enabling the calculation of kinetic constants and thermodynamic activation parameters for the process. BRS measurements showed an increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with temperature in all samples, with olive oil presenting the highest TAC and jojoba the lowest at 298 K, while rosehip oil showed the lowest TAC at 373 K. Kinetic analysis revealed negative ΔS^# values, indicating the formation of ordered transition states, and similar activation energies (ΔG^# ≈ 56–58 kJ/mol), although jojoba displayed the highest ΔH^# and ΔG^#. Rancimat analysis at 373 K showed clear differences in oxidative stability: jojoba oil had the longest induction period, followed by olive, sunflower, and rosehip. These results correlated with PUFA levels. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed strong associations between induction period, fatty-acid composition, and kinetic parameters, demonstrating good agreement between the two analytical methods. Full article

The catalytic modification of combustion processes using nanoparticle additives has emerged as a promising strategy to improve fuel oxidation and reduce pollutant formation in compression ignition (CI) engines. In this study, the catalytic effects of nano-sized boron oxide (B₂O₃) on biodiesel combustion were systematically investigated. Jojoba oil, a non-edible and drought-resistant feedstock, was transesterified to produce second-generation biodiesel and blended with diesel fuel. Among the tested blends, J10 (10% biodiesel and 90% diesel) was selected as the base fuel blend due to its favorable combustion and emission characteristics. To explore catalytic enhancement mechanisms, B₂O₃ nanoparticles were introduced at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 ppm. The high surface area and oxygen buffering capacity of B₂O₃ nanoparticles are expected to enhance oxidation reactions and promote radical formation during combustion. This catalytic effect contributes to improved combustion efficiency, as evidenced by a significant reduction in incomplete combustion products. Compared with diesel fuel (D100), HC emissions were reduced by up to 53.34%, while CO emissions decreased by 24.42–41.98% depending on the operating conditions and fuel blends. In addition, a noticeable improvement in combustion quality was reflected in the brake thermal efficiency (BTE), where variations of up to 11.61% were observed across different fuel blends. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed to quantify the interaction between nanoparticle concentration and engine load and to identify optimal catalytic operating conditions. The optimal parameters were determined as 12.14 ppm B₂O₃ and 1.36 kW load, yielding a desirability of 0.7128. Under these conditions, the engine achieved a BSFC of 458.83 g/kWh and BTE of 22.01%, with emissions reduced to 0.041% CO, 14.29 ppm HC, and 346.44 ppm NO_x. The results demonstrate that nano B₂O₃ functions as a combustion catalyst by enhancing oxidation pathways and improving fuel-air interaction, thereby increasing combustion efficiency and reducing harmful emissions. Full article

In order to enhance the value and stability of vegetable oils, they may be enriched with essential oils and plant extracts with strong antioxidant activity, yielding innovative formulations with potential applications in skincare. The present research aims to investigate the bioactive properties of an Usnea barbata extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 5% Peppermint oil (PEO), and 10% vitamin E (PJO). The oil extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. The UBPJO antioxidant activity was investigated using ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl)-based methods. The sunscreen capacity of UBPJO was evaluated by measuring their sun protection factor (SPF) values. The antimicrobial potential was investigated against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The antioxidant activity of UBPJO was 1.5 times higher than that of PJO. Consequently, the sunscreen efficacy (assessed by SPF measurements) indicated satisfactory UVB protection abilities against S. aureus (UBPJO vs. PJO: 32.41 vs. 30.58). UBPJO exhibited significantly greater inhibitory effects compared to PJO against S. aureus (MIC = 18.75 ± 6.25 vs. 37.50 ± 0.00, p < 0.05). and C. albicans (9.62 ± 2.87 vs. 37.5 ± 12.5, p < 0.05). The bioactive properties investigated in the present study support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skin protective formulations with antiaging, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Full article

Jojoba oil is a well-established skin-beneficial liquid wax with high value in topical formulations. Bigels, as preferred semi-solid dosage forms, serve as versatile platforms by incorporating hydrogels and oleogels to leverage their advantages and address their limitations. In this study, jojoba oil bigels were developed using sorbitan monostearate (20%, w/w) as an oleogelator and different hydrophilic bases, 1% Carbomer 940, 6% methylcellulose, or 20% Poloxamer 407 gel, with all concentrations expressed relative to the corresponding phase. Nine bigels were obtained by varying hydrogel-to-oleogel ratios (90:10–70:30). They were evaluated in terms of their organoleptic, microstructural, and textural characteristics. Both the hydrogel matrix type and the phase proportion impacted the studied properties. Carbomer bigels displayed the highest spreadability, methylcellulose formulations showed the greatest adhesiveness, and poloxamer systems exhibited maximum firmness and cohesiveness, with a comparatively more homogeneous phase distribution. The increase in oleogel content enhanced firmness and cohesiveness while modulating spreadability and adhesiveness in a hydrogel-dependent manner. Moreover, all designed formulations remained physically stable after centrifugation, but only those containing 80% carbomer gel or 70% or 80% poloxamer gel preserved their mechanical characteristics without significant changes after freeze-thawing. Besides identifying three promising biphasic dermal drug delivery platforms, these findings reinforce the tunability of bigels through the careful component selection. Full article

Green cosmetics are primarily based on plant-derived ingredients and use sustainable biotechnological tools for their preparation. The present research aimed to investigate the Usnea barbata (U. barbata) extract in Jojoba oil (JO) enriched with 5% Peppermint oil (PEO) and 10% Vitamin E, as a potential natural product for skin applications. The U. barbata oil extract (UBPJO) was obtained through cold maceration. Phytochemical screening was performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Folin–Ciocalteu method, and Graphite-Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (GFAAS). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) were used to evaluate the physicochemical properties. Then, rheological characteristics and oxidation stability (measured as the time to reach the oxidation starting point, induction period (IP)) of both oil samples (UBPJO and oil mixture alone (PJO) were investigated. Total phenolic content (TPC) in UBPJO was 2.5 times higher than in PJO (p < 0.05), while heavy metal levels (As and Pb) were slightly higher (p > 0.05). UBPJO has higher shear stress, viscosity, and spreadability than PJO, but the differences are not significant (p > 0.05). Finally, IP measurements indicated appreciable oxidative stability (UBPJO vs. PJO: 153.02 h vs. 137.35 h, p > 0.05). The phytochemical composition and physicochemical properties support the inclusion of UBPJO in various skincare formulations. Full article

Gum arabic (GA) is a promising polymer for oil microencapsulation due to its emulsifying and film-forming properties and regulatory acceptance. Here we introduce a fully natural, low-energy emulsion–freeze-drying route and a head-to-head screening framework that compares surfactant chemistry and oil identity under identical processing conditions. Rice oil was used as a model to evaluate two oil:GA ratios (1:3 and 1:0.3, solid basis) and three surfactants (Tween 80, sodium cocoyl glutamate (SCG), and lecithin) at 0.1–1%. Emulsions were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) (z-average, PDI), emulsification index, and viscosity, then freeze-dried and evaluated for encapsulation efficiency (EE). High oil load (1:0.3) gave EE = 0% for all conditions, whereas GA-rich emulsions (1:3) enabled encapsulation, with 0.1% surfactant selected as optimal. Using this formulation window, six oils (rice, jojoba, aloe vera, sweet almond, safflower, sesame) were screened, yielding EE values from 0 to 95%. Safflower and sesame showed high EE without surfactant, while rice, sweet almond, aloe vera, and jojoba benefited mainly from SCG or lecithin. Despite producing smaller droplets, Tween 80 generated polydisperse, low-stability emulsions and did not improve EE. Overall, EE is governed by GA–surfactant interfacial cohesion and oil chemistry rather than droplet size alone. Full article

The development of innovative cosmetic ingredients has driven growing interest in emulsion systems that combine performance, stability, and sustainability. Pickering emulsions can form physically stable systems by adsorbing solid particles at the oil–water interface. In this study, bacterial cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) and nanocrystals (CNCs), obtained via acid hydrolysis, were evaluated as stabilizing agents in Pickering emulsions containing jojoba, castor, and grape seed oils for hair conditioning applications. Structural and physicochemical characterization revealed that CNCs exhibited higher crystallinity, a narrower size distribution, and a higher negative surface charge than CNFs, resulting in enhanced colloidal stability. Emulsion analyses showed that CNCs more effectively reduced interfacial tension and produced smaller, more homogeneous droplets. Stability assessments under pH variation, thermal stress, and storage demonstrated that CNC-stabilized emulsions, particularly with castor oil, maintained stability indices above 95% for up to 60 days, whereas CNF-based systems showed greater sensitivity to environmental conditions. The incorporation of CNCs into a prototype conditioning cream resulted in a creamy texture and improved physical stability without compromising formulation performance. Overall, these results highlight CNCs as robust and efficient stabilizing materials for Pickering emulsions, reinforcing the potential of bacterial nanocellulose in advanced cosmetic formulations. Full article

A series of biocomposites were elaborated by incorporating cellulose fibers, obtained from raw alfa plant, into a new polyurethane (PU) matrix synthesized from jojoba oil. The cellulose content was adjusted between 0% and 50%. To examine their properties, several characterization methods were employed. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed that the extracted cellulose and the polyurethane matrix have high interfacial adhesion. Thermal stability was assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). They indicate that the composites remained thermally stable in air up to 265 °C and exhibited glass transition temperatures (Tg) in the range of −38 to −7 °C, depending on the fiber percentage inside the polyurethane-based biocomposite. The corresponding mechanical properties increased with the addition of cellulose, reaching optimal improvement at 40% fiber content. Full article

Cold pressing is a sustainable oil extraction method that operates without chemical solvents, requires relatively low energy input, and preserves bioactive compounds, making it a recognized green technology in line with circular economy principles. By enabling full utilization of raw materials and valorization of by-products, it supports resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the development of bio-based products. This study provides the first comprehensive mapping of Serbia’s small-scale cold-pressed oil producers, based on data from the Central Register of Food Business Operators, local inspectorates, agricultural fairs, and social media, classified according to NUTS 2024 statistical regions. A total of 55 producers were identified, with over 60% operating as artisanal units (≤15 t/year), typically using screw presses of 20–50 kg/h capacity. Pumpkin seed was the most common raw material (30 producers), followed by sesame (21), hazelnut (20), sunflower (19), and flaxseed (19), while niche oils such as jojoba, argan, and rosehip were produced on a smaller scale. Medium and large facilities (>15 t/year) were concentrated in Vojvodina and central Serbia, focusing on high-volume seeds like sunflower and soybean. Integration of green screw press technologies, zero-kilometer supply chains, and press cake valorization positions this sector as a driver of rural development, biodiversity preservation, and environmental sustainability, providing a strong basis for targeted policy support and process optimization. Full article

Background and objectives: Exercise-induced muscle injury, a consequence of intense physical activity, is characterized by subsequent inflammation. Sports massage frequently employs massage oils, such as jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link.) C.K.Schneid., Simmondsiaceae) oil, which is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of jojoba oil to alleviate exercise-induced muscle injury. Materials and Methods: Male hairless mice, aged eight weeks, were randomly allocated into one of four groups: a naïve control group, a sedentary group treated with jojoba oil (JO), an exercise group without oil application, and an exercise group treated with jojoba oil (JO + Ex). In the JO and JO + Ex groups, 4 μL of jojoba oil per gram of body weight was applied topically to the dorsal skin of the mice 30 min prior to treadmill exercise. Subsequently, plasma biochemical parameters, gene expression in various tissues, and plasma cytokine levels were evaluated. Results: Topical application of jojoba oil did not significantly impact plasma cytokine concentrations. However, it significantly decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1b and Il-6 in the soleus muscle; Il-1b in the gastrocnemius muscle). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sports massage with jojoba oil may aid in reducing exercise-induced muscle injury and inflammation. Full article

Non-invasive, in vivo assessment of target substances penetration into the skin remains a significant challenge in dermatology and cosmetology. While various optical methods have been employed for this purpose, each has inherent limitations. Here, we present a novel non-invasive imaging approach using optical coherence elastography (OCE) to simultaneously determine the penetration depth of topically applied osmotically active substances in biological objects and associated water content changes with high sensitivity. Most substances are osmotically active and generate osmotic pressure proportional to their concentration, inducing deformations in biological objects. These osmotic strains can be visualized similarly to mechanical or thermal strains. Using OCE, we evaluated penetration and dehydration depth profiles in polyacrylamide gel phantoms, ex vivo cartilage, and porcine ear skin samples treated with aqueous glycerol solutions of varying concentrations. Additionally, the penetration and effect of jojoba oil were assessed in treated skin samples. The results are consistent with those obtained by other established methods, confirming the reliability and applicability of OCE. This technique offers unique capabilities not achievable with other optical methods, making it a valuable complementary tool for non-invasive studies. It holds significant promise for advancing both research and clinical applications in dermatology and cosmetology, including its potential translation to in vivo assessments. Full article

Jojoba is an important tropical oil crop, and jojoba oil is widely used in the aerospace lubricant and cosmetic industries. Jojoba exhibits high tolerance to droughts and high temperatures. However, there is currently a lack of rapid and effective methods for identifying stress-tolerant genes in jojoba. Here, an efficient hairy root genetic transformation system of jojoba (Simmondisa chinensis) mediated by Agrobacterium rhizogenes was established and used for the functional evaluation of ScGolS1, a putative stress-tolerant gene. First, using the leaves of jojoba as explants, transgenic jojoba hairy roots carrying the RUBY gene were obtained under sterile conditions using the “soaking co-cultivation method”. Second, we optimized the four conditions affecting hairy root genetic transformations, namely, the strains of A. rhizogenes, co-cultivation under light or dark conditions, the infection time, and the OD₆₀₀ value of the bacterial suspension. The following best transformation conditions were determined, A. rhizogenes K599, light during co-cultivation, an infection time of 10 min, and bacterial suspension OD₆₀₀ = 0.6, under which the transformation rate could reach 27%. Third, based on the “soaking co-cultivation method”, a new method called the “wrapping co-cultivation method” was developed, which does not require tissue cultures and can induce transgenic hairy roots of jojoba in two months. Using the “wrapping co-cultivation method”, we successfully obtained transgenic hairy roots overexpressing the ScGolS1 gene, which exhibited higher tolerance to low-temperature stress. A hairy root-based genetic transformation system of jojoba will promote the functional genomics and molecular breeding of jojoba. Full article

Antioxidants are the most popular active ingredients in anti-aging cosmetics as they can restore the physiological radical balance and counteract the photoaging process. Instead of adding pure compounds into the formulations, some “precious” vegetable oils could be used due to their content of tocopherols, phenols, vitamins, etc., constituting a powerful antioxidant unsaponifiable fraction. Here, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with spin trapping was proven to provide a valid method for evaluating the antioxidant properties and the oxidative resistance of vegetable oils which, following UV irradiation, produce highly reactive radical species although hardly detectable. Extra virgin olive oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, and jojoba oil were then evaluated by using N-t-butyl-α-phenylnitrone as a spin trapper and testing different UV irradiation times followed by incubation for 5 to 180 min at 70 °C. The EPR spectra were manipulated to obtain quantitative information useful for comparing the different tested samples. As a result, the knowledge acquired via the EPR analyses demonstrated jojoba oil as the best of the four considered oils in terms of both starting antioxidant ability and oxidative stability overtime. The obtained results confirmed the usefulness of the EPR spin trapping technique for the main proposed purpose. Full article

Annatto, obtained from the seeds of achiote (Bixa orellana L.), is a widely used orange pigment rich in bixin and other apocarotenoids. This work reports the optimisation of a green extraction method of pigments and antioxidant compounds from achiote as well as its integration in a one-step green extraction-cosmetic formulation process. A biphasic solvent system of water and oil was used to recover simultaneously polar polyphenols, and less polar compounds, such as δ-tocotrienol and bixin. The optimisation of the ultrasound assisted extraction is presented, as well as a comparison of different vegetable oils used as extraction solvents. The composition, physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity of the oils were studied and their extraction performance was compared. Refined sunflower oil proved to be a better solvent than virgin olive, jojoba, coconut and grapeseed oils. Both aqueous and oil phases displayed an interesting antioxidant capacity. The oil phase contained 0.9% of bixin, as well as minor apocarotenoids and δ-tocotrienol. Twelve compounds, mainly phenolics, were identified by UHPLC-DAD-HRMS/MS in the aqueous phase. Twenty-one volatile compounds were identified in the volatile fraction by SPME-GC-MS. Lastly, a one-step green process is proposed to combine the extraction and the cosmetic formulation of the bioactive compounds. Full article

Edible oils work to protect the fruit in more than one way. They act as a barrier or insulating layer that prevents moisture loss from the fruits, prevents the development of microbes on the surface, prevents chemical changes in the fruits, and prevents the deterioration of the fruits. These functions work to improve the quality of the fruits and increase the shelf life of the fruits. Medjool date palm fruits experience post-harvest difficulties such as weight loss, reduced taste, microbial contamination, and general quality degradation during storage, particularly at room temperature. Essential oils with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant qualities, such as jasmine oil, black cumin oil, and jojoba oil, have demonstrated significant promise for improving fruit storability and quality. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of treatment with edible coating with jasmine oil, black cumin oil, and jojoba oil of Medjool date palm fruits under room storage conditions to lengthen shelf life, preserve quality, and reduce refrigeration during the seasons of 2021 and 2022. The study treatments were jasmine oil 1.5%, black cumin oil 1.5%, jojoba oil 7%, and untreated fruits as a control. Data showed that treatment with edible coating with jojoba oil reduced Medjool date palm fruit decay percentages and weight loss, delayed skin separation, and improved chemical fruit properties such as total sugar and total soluble solids (TSS%), followed by black cumin oil and then jasmine oil. The results showed that using jasmine oil, black cumin oil, or jojoba oil as a layer of essential oils provides a realistic option to enhance storability, extend shelf life, maintain quality, and reduce refrigeration in Medjool date palm fruits. Full article