Search Results (56)

Açaí, a berry emblematic of Amazonian biodiversity, is a major Brazilian product whose market value is largely concentrated in its pulp, leaving the residual biomass—particularly the fibrous seed—underexploited and typically discarded in landfills, with negative environmental and social consequences. To address this gap, this study employs a systematic technology roadmapping approach, integrating bibliometric analysis, patent landscaping, and expert consultations to consolidate fragmented data. This methodology enables the mapping of innovation trajectories across technology readiness levels, product categories, market segments, and key stakeholders. The roadmap identifies emerging trends and opportunity windows for valorizing açaí biomass via integrated biorefinery approaches, moving beyond traditional low-complexity uses such as thermal energy and seed-derived coffee substitutes. The highlighted products include pharmaceutical extracts, cosmetic ingredients, nanopapers, and cellulose nanocrystals, leveraging the biomass’s biochemical composition, notably antioxidants, mannose, and inulin. This methodological framework facilitates a dynamic analysis of technological maturation and market evolution, offering strategic insights to guide industrial investments and policy development. Findings indicate that biorefinery integration enhances resource efficiency and product diversification, situating açaí biomass valorization within broader bioeconomy strategies. The study demonstrates the efficacy of technology roadmapping in structuring prospective innovation pathways and in supporting the sustainable utilization of the Amazonian biomass. Full article

The use of antioxidants in the dermatocosmetic industry has become increasingly popular to help protect and stabilize other sensitive active ingredients, prolonging the effectiveness and durability of the cosmetic product. Grape pomace, as the main by-product generated through winemaking, and Polygonum cuspidatum, concentrate bioactive metabolites with high antioxidant activity. Hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from grape pomace (Merlot and Feteasca Neagra varieties) and the root and flower of Japanese knotweed, respectively, alone and in mixtures, were characterized, and preliminary assays were conducted for their incorporation in two gel-based cosmetic formulations. The characterization of the extracts revealed the presence of catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, resveratrol, and kaempferol. The hydroalcoholic extract of P. cuspidatum flower and root was found to have the highest content of total phenolic compounds (10.920 ± 0.268 mg GAE/mL, respectively, 4.751 ± 0.072 mg GAE/mL), and the highest antioxidant activity (expressed as DPPH Radical Scavenging Capacity, IC₅₀) by 28.04 ± 1.12 µg GAE/mL and 83.91 ± 1.13 µg GAE/mL, respectively. Catechin was the most abundant polyphenol found in pomace extract (687.87 mg/kg). The type and the concentration of the plant extract used in dermatocosmetic gel formulations influenced their antioxidant activity. Encapsulation of P. cuspidatum flower extract in liposomes prior to their incorporation into the gel formulation demonstrated the role of liposomes in enhancing the stability and modulation of phenolic compound delivery. It is worth noting that this dermatocosmetic formulation, which contains the flower extract of P. cuspidatum, was the subject of a pending patent application. Full article

Nitrogen-containing heterocycles are essential compounds in nature, and their structural and functional diversity inspired the synthesis of a wide range of derivatives with diverse applications as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, dyes, polymers, cosmetics, etc. Among them, N-fused heterocycles represent an important category, due to their high potential as biologically active agents. Pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazoles, a class of nitrogen heterobicycles, have multiple applications as dyes and pigments. Also, a number of compounds containing this structure have been investigated for their biological activities. All the main experimental results published in the literature (both articles and patents) regarding the latter are summarized in this review. Full article

Precision fermentation, a highly controlled process of microbial fermentation, is emerging as a transformative tool to produce cosmetic ingredients. This technology leverages engineered micro-organisms to produce high-value compounds with applications in skincare, hair care, and other cosmetic formulations. Unlike traditional methods of ingredient sourcing, which often rely on extraction from plants or animals, precision fermentation offers a sustainable and scalable alternative, minimizing environmental impact and enhancing the consistency of ingredient supply. This paper explores the potential of precision fermentation to revolutionize the cosmetic industry by enabling the production of complex molecules, such as peptides, proteins, and other bioactive compounds, which are essential for cosmetic efficacy. Using synthetic biology, micro-organisms such as yeast, bacteria, and fungi are programmed to biosynthesize specific cosmetic ingredients, which can include antioxidants, emulsifiers, and moisturizers. This technique not only ensures high purity and ingredients safety but also allows for the production of novel compounds that may be difficult or impossible to obtain through traditional methods. Furthermore, precision fermentation can be employed to address growing consumer demand for cruelty-free, vegan, and eco-friendly products, as it eliminates the need for animal-derived ingredients and reduces resource consumption associated with conventional farming and extraction processes. This review highlights key advancements in the field, discussing the challenges faced by industry, such as regulatory framework, and presents potential solutions for overcoming these obstacles. The paper concludes by examining the prospects of precision fermentation in cosmetics, forecasting how continued innovation in this area could further drive sustainability, ethical production practices, and the development of highly functional, scientifically advanced cosmetic products. Full article

The lips, due to their unique anatomical characteristics of a thin stratum corneum, the absence of sebaceous glands, and limited melanin content are particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, necessitating specialized photoprotective care. While facial sunscreens are widely available, the development of lip-specific sun protection products remains underexplored. This study aims to analyze technological trends and innovations in lip photoprotection by reviewing patents published between 2014 and 2024. A comprehensive patent search using the IPC code A61Q19 and the keywords “lip” and “sunscreen” identified 17 relevant patents across China, the United States, and Japan. The patents were examined for active ingredients, formulation strategies, and use of botanical or sustainable excipients. The findings revealed that patented formulations predominantly rely on well-established UV filters such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octyl methoxycinnamate, and avobenzone, often combined with antioxidants like ferulic acid and rutin for enhanced efficacy. Lipid-based excipients were widely used to improve texture, hydration, and product stability. Although many formulations exhibit a conservative ingredient profile, the strategic combination of UV filters with natural antioxidants and moisturizing lipids demonstrates a multifunctional approach aimed at enhancing both protection and user experience. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oleuropein (OLP), the key bioactive in olive leaf extracts, has demonstrated various biological benefits. We previously reported on the pro-melanogenic action with increased dendricity of a patented olive leaf extract (Benolea^®) that was standardized to 16–24% OLP. In this study, purified OLP was evaluated to identify if it might be the bioactive responsible for the stimulating effects on melanocytes. Moreover, previous studies on OLP have never reported the effects on melanocyte dendricity or melanin export in the medium. Methods: Herein, the effect of OLP on melanogenesis was first evaluated using the B16F10 cell model and validated using the physiological model of normal human melanocytes from Caucasian (lightly pigmented; LP) and Asian (moderately pigmented; MP) skin. The effects of OLP on melanin export in LP and MP cells were indirectly evaluated by dendricity indices. Results: OLP lowered the intracellular melanin content in B16F10 cells by 26.36%, 24.48%, and 27.71% at 100, 150, and 200 µg/mL (all p < 0.01), respectively, with no effect on the intracellular melanin contents of LP or MP cells. OLP treatment did not influence tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells or MP cells but significantly enhanced the activity in LP cells. The measurement of extracellular melanin showed significantly higher levels for all three cells, although the levels were considerably higher in MP cells, after the adjustment for OLP autoxidation observed in the cell-free system, which caused melanin-like brown coloration. Furthermore, OLP induced morphological alterations of extended dendrites of B16F10 cells that were retained in LP and MP cells. The quantitation of the dendricity of cells treated with OLP at 200 μg/mL revealed that the total dendrite length was increased by 35.24% (p < 0.05) in LP cells and by 58.45% (p < 0.001) in MP cells without any change in the dendrite number. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate the novel finding that OLP possesses a hitherto unreported unique capacity to stimulate melanocyte dendricity, hence establishing the efficacy for use in increasing human pigmentation. Our findings show significance, with a potential application of the compound OLP for addressing human hypopigmentation disorders in clinical settings or for cosmetic uses related to sunless tanning. Full article

Today, most anti-acne treatments employ topical and systemic antibiotics such as erythromycin and clindamycin, which induce cutaneous dysbiosis with adverse side effects to the skin’s normal microbiota, consequently leading to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. In our quest to discover natural anti-acne bioactives as alternatives, we undertook a research program with the aim to identify a new blend of active ingredients based on the monoterpene phenol moiety. Within this program, we evaluated the in vitro anti-acne efficacy of thymol, Curcuma turmerones and their patented combination “Acnocure” in a cosmetic formulation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Acnocure against C. acnes (ATCC 6919), S. aureus (ATCC 6538), S. epidermidis (ATCC 12228) and C. freneyi (CIP 52.16) was determined to be 0.32, 0.26, 0.47 and 0.11 mg/mL, respectively. In the time-kill curve study against C. acnes, Acnocure, containing thymol 0.25% and 0.1% Curcuma turmerone as well as thymol 0.1% and 0.1% Curcuma turmerone in a cosmetic simplex formulation, demonstrated rapid bactericidal activity with a 4.7 log reduction at pH 5.5, occurring within just two hours of the study and lasting for over 24 h. The killing efficacy was similar to our cosmetic reference benchmark, Effaclar DUO serum, used in the same study. Additionally, thymol, Curcuma turmerones and Acnocure were evaluated in an anti-inflammatory efficacy assay in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-primed U937 macrophages model and demonstrated moderate inhibition of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) at 100 µg/mL and significant inhibition of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) at 1 µg/mL, respectively. Further evidence gathered on thymol and Curcuma turmerones in an IL-1α-stimulated dermal fibroblast model showed >90% inhibition of PGE-2 release between 2 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL concentrations. These promising results position Acnocure as a natural alternative for the replacement of synthetic corticosteroids and antibiotics with potent anti-acne skincare properties. Full article

Morocco’s rich biodiversity includes various aromatic and medicinal plants utilized for culinary and medicinal purposes. The genus Mentha, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is notable for its widespread use in Moroccan culture. This genus encompasses several species with distinct phytochemical profiles, offering potential applications in cosmetics, medicine, and other sectors. However, understanding the innovation landscape related to Mentha in Morocco requires a comprehensive patent analysis, which can indicate trends, the technological focus, and potential commercial applications. This study identifies the Mentha species commonly used in Morocco and examines patent documents to reveal technological innovations linked to Moroccan Mentha species. Five major Mentha species were identified, namely M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. gattefossei, M. spicata, and M. suaveolens, in addition to two hybrids (Mentha × piperita and M. rotundifolia). The patent analysis, focusing on the number of documents, jurisdictional distribution, and International Patent Classification (IPC) codes, highlights that China and the United States are leading jurisdictions, with 1113 and 915 patent documents, respectively. The primary IPC code, A61K36/53, corresponds to medicinal preparations containing mint. Among the eight identified species, M. spicata (spearmint) accounted for the highest patent activity, reflecting its widespread cultivation and use both in Morocco and globally. In contrast, M. gattefossei (persian mint), an endemic species, had minimal patent representation, suggesting limited international exploitation and potential opportunities for increased research and commercialization focused on this species. Full article

This review is focused on the research, innovation and technological breakthroughs on marine invertebrate collagens and their applications. The findings reveal that research dates back to the 1970s, and after a period of reduced activity, interest in collagens from several marine invertebrate groups was renewed around 2008, likely driven by the increased commercial interest in these biomolecules of marine origin. Research and development are predominantly reported from China and Japan, highlighting significant research interest in cnidarians (jellyfish), echinoderms (sea cucumbers, sea urchins and starfish), molluscs (squid and cuttlefish) and sponges. Co-word analysis of the literature highlights applications in regenerative medicine, the properties of hydrolysates, and biology and biochemistry studies. Innovation and the technological landscape, however, focus on fewer taxonomic groups, possibly reflecting the challenge of sustainably sourcing raw materials, with a higher number of patents coming from Asia. Globally, jellyfish collagen is the most prominent marine invertebrate source, while Asia also emphasizes the use of collagens derived from molluscs and sea cucumbers. Europe, despite fewer patents, explores a broader range of taxonomic groups. Globally, key applications registered are mostly in medical, dental and toiletry areas, with peptide preparations spanning multiple animal groups. The food domain is notably relevant for molluscs and sea cucumbers. Market trends show a strong presence of cosmetic and supplement products, aligning with market reports that predict a growing demand for marine collagens in cosmetics and personalized nutrition, particularly in targeted health supplements. Full article

Cinnamon oil, an essential oil extracted from plants of the genus Cinnamomum, has been highly valued in ancient Chinese texts for its medicinal properties. This review summarizes the chemical composition, pharmacological actions, and various applications of cinnamon oil, highlighting its potential in medical and industrial fields. By systematically searching and evaluating studies from major scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and ScienceDirect, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic potential of cinnamon oil. Research indicates that cinnamon oil possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities, covering antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and hypoglycemic effects. It is currently an active ingredient in over 500 patented medicines. Cinnamon oil has demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against various pathogens comprising Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli. Its mechanisms of action include disrupting cell membranes, inhibiting ATPase activity, and preventing biofilm formation, suggesting its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent. Its anti-inflammatory properties are evidenced by its ability to suppress inflammatory markers like vascular cell adhesion molecules and macrophage colony-stimulating factors. Moreover, cinnamon oil has shown positive effects in lowering blood pressure and improving metabolism in diabetic patients by enhancing glucose uptake and increasing insulin sensitivity. The main active components of cinnamon oil include cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, and eugenol, which play key roles in its pharmacological effects. Recently, the applications of cinnamon oil in industrial fields, including food preservation, cosmetics, and fragrances, have also become increasingly widespread. Despite the extensive research supporting its medicinal value, more clinical trials are needed to determine the optimal dosage, administration routes, and possible side effects of cinnamon oil. Additionally, exploring the interactions between cinnamon oil and other drugs, as well as its safety in different populations, is crucial. Considering the current increase in antibiotic resistance and the demand for sustainable and effective medical treatments, this review emphasizes the necessity for further research into the mechanisms and safety of cinnamon oil to confirm its feasibility as a basis for new drug development. In summary, as a versatile natural product, cinnamon oil holds broad application prospects and is expected to play a greater role in future medical research and clinical practice. Full article

Menthol, a cyclic monoterpene alcohol commonly derived from mint essential oils, is widely utilized across the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and personal care industries due to its cooling, analgesic, and aromatic properties. This study presents a comprehensive patent landscape analysis of organic menthol crystals and their derivatives, with a focus on identifying current trends and emerging applications. Patent data were retrieved from The Lens and Google Patents, and 23,515 relevant patents were analyzed using international patent classification codes. The results revealed significant applications in pharmaceuticals, personal care, and drug delivery systems, with notable innovations in controlled-release formulations, cancer treatments, and pain relief products. Emerging trends include the combination of menthol with other natural compounds, advances in microencapsulation for controlled drug delivery, and its use as flavor enhancement in the tobacco industry. The United States leads in menthol-related patents, followed by China and the European Union. This analysis provides valuable insights into the future of menthol applications, suggesting that its role in therapeutic and cosmetic industries will continue to grow, driven by technological advancements and regulatory factors. Full article

Plants are rich sources of specialized metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, and volatile oils, which provide various health benefits including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antiaging, skin-altering, and anti-diabetic properties. However, challenges such as low and inconsistent yields, environment and geographic factors, and species-specific production of some specialized metabolites limit the supply of raw plant material for the food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, biotechnological approaches using plant in vitro systems offer an appealing alternative for the production of biologically active metabolites. Among these, hairy root cultures induced by Rhizobium rhizogenes have firmed up their position as “green cell factories” due to their genotypic and biosynthetic stability. Hairy roots are valuable platforms for producing high-value phytomolecules at a low cost, are amenable to pathway engineering, and can be scaled up in bioreactors, making them attractive for commercialization. This review explores the potential of hairy roots for specialized metabolites biosynthesis focusing on biotechnology tools to enhance their production. Aspects of morphological peculiarities of hairy roots, the diversity of bioreactors design, and process intensification technologies for maximizing biosynthetic capacity, as well as examples of patented plant-derived (green-labeled) products produced through hairy root cultivation at lab and industrial scales, are addressed and discussed. Full article

Skin diseases are a common health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Effective treatment often depends on the precise delivery of drugs to the affected areas. One promising approach is currently the transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS), whose significant challenge is the poor penetration of many compounds into the skin due to the stratum corneum (SC), which acts as a formidable barrier. To overcome this limitation, nanocarriers have emerged as a highly effective alternative. This review discusses the use of liposomes and ethosomes for transdermal drug delivery. Liposomes are micro- or nanostructures consisting of a lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous core. They facilitate transdermal drug penetration and may be advantageous for site-specific targeting. Some methods of treating skin diseases involve incorporating drugs such as acyclovir, dithranol, and tretinoin or bioactive compounds such as fluconazole, melanin, glycolic acid, kojic acid, and CoQ10 into nanocarriers. The inability of liposomes to pass through the narrowed intercellular channels of the stratum corneum led to the invention of lipid-based vesicular systems such as ethosomes. They are structurally similar to conventional liposomes, as they are prepared from phospholipids, but they contain a high ethanol concentration. Ethosomes are noninvasive carriers that allow drugs to reach the deep layers of the skin. Examples of commonly used substances and drugs combined with ethosomes in cosmetics include methotrexate, ascorbic acid, vitamin A and E, and colchicine. A significant development in this area is the use of rutin-loaded ethosomes. Encapsulating rutin in ethosomes significantly improves its stability and enhances skin penetration, allowing more efficient delivery to deeper skin layers. In cosmetics, rutin–ethosome formulations are used to protect the skin from oxidative stress, reduce redness, and improve capillary strength, making it a valuable formulation in anti-aging and anti-inflammatory products. The results of the first clinical trial of the acyclovir–ethosome formulation confirm that ethosomes require further investigation. The work provides an update on recent advances in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, mentioning the essential points of commercially available formulations, clinical trials, and patents in the recent past. Full article

This literature review provides a novel exploration of zinc’s multifaceted roles in dermatology, with a particular focus on its potential integration into botulinum toxin formulations—an area that remains relatively underexplored in clinical practice. Zinc is widely recognized for its critical functions in skin health, including morphogenesis, regeneration, and protection, and its use in aesthetic medicine offers a unique opportunity for innovation. Specifically, incorporating zinc into botulinum toxin formulations could enhance the efficacy and stability of these treatments. Although zinc has historically been used in topical dermatological products and systemic health interventions, its potential in cosmetic preparations, such as anti-aging therapies or non-invasive aesthetic treatments, remains under-researched. Emerging patents suggest promising formulations combining zinc with botulinum toxin that may improve product stability and extend therapeutic effects. While current studies on oral zinc supplementation present mixed results concerning its ability to prolong botulinum toxin effects, this underscores the need for more rigorous investigation in the realm of aesthetic medicine. Zinc’s well-established role in stabilizing dermatological products, such as sunscreens, and its applications in wound healing and skin regeneration, further highlights its potential for broader therapeutic uses beyond cosmetic applications. This review identifies a critical gap in the literature and calls for future research to optimize zinc concentrations and delivery methods specifically for aesthetic medical procedures, offering new insights into improving dermatological treatments beyond the scope of traditional cosmetic preparations. Full article

Liposome-based drug carriers are multipurpose colloidal drug delivery systems developed mainly for targeted therapy. Researchers have expanded their research on liposomes due to their unique characteristics (e.g., non-toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-immunogenicity). This review summarizes historical advances, from the first scientific papers and patents to the latest inventive solutions, in the field of liposome-based drug carriers and their production processes. Various bibliometric studies on the use of liposomes as drug carriers have been published; nevertheless, they focus on published scientific works rather than patent documents. Patent information is important for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries because technical knowledge in patent documentation is often not published in any other document. The research in this review was conducted using the Espacenet—European Patent Office database, with keywords and classification codes defined by the International Patent Classification. Innovative formulations, including the usage and administration route, are broadly researched to produce effective and safe drug delivery systems with negligible side effects. Global patenting trends in liposome drug carriers’ production process were also discussed, and this evaluation unifies up-to-date development in this field. Patent database reviews and analyses could help as inspiration for future investigations as well as for problem-solving resources. Full article