Cosmeceutical Industries Research Articles

Small Steps to the Big Picture for Health-Promoting Applications Through the Use of Chickweed (Stellaria media): InVitro, In Silico, and Pharmacological Network Approaches.

Stellaria media L., also called chickweed, is widespread in all parts of the world. In the present study, we investigated the biological properties and chemical profiles of different extracts (ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, and water) of S. media. The chemical profiles were examined using UHPLC/MS/MS technique. Regarding the biological properties, antioxidant properties as well as enzyme-inhibiting and cytotoxic effects of the extracts were demonstrated by invitro methods. To obtain further information about the structure-ability relationship, network pharmacology and molecular docking were also performed. Twelve phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts and most of them were flavonoids (apigenin, kaempferol derivatives, etc.). The water extract showed the best free radical scavenging activity, while the ethanol was the most active in reducing power tests. When inhibiting AChE, the ethyl acetate extract showed the best inhibitory effect. The water extract has a good cytotoxic effect on HepG2 (cell viability: 33.9% at a concentration of 100 g/mL). The analysis, performed using the STRING database, included these 45 cancer-associated targets. The identified hub genes were TP53, CDKN2A, PTEN, KRAS, and HRAS. In molecular docking analysis, acacetin-O-hexoside-O-deoxyhexoside and napigenin-7-O-hexoside exhibit remarkable binding energies with proteins. Consequently, S. media can be potential raw materials for designing functional formulations in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.

Use of Nanotechnology in Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries by enhancing product efficacy and enabling innovative formulations. This review paper delves into the various applications of nanotechnology in skincare and cosmetic products, highlighting its ability to improve the delivery of active ingredients, provide enhanced protection, and increase the bioavailability of beneficial compounds. Nanomaterials such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, nanocapsules, and solid lipid nanoparticles are now extensively utilized for their superior skin penetration capabilities, ensuring targeted delivery and prolonged effects. The paper explores the potential benefits and safety concerns associated with these nano-based cosmetic products. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements, regulatory considerations, and future trends in the field, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand the long-term implications of nanotechnology in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals. This review aims to provide a critical overview for researchers and industry professionals interested in the evolving landscape of nanotechnology in beauty and skincare. Findings Our research highlights the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) on the drug discovery and development process, particularly in enhancing efficiency and precision from initial screening to clinical trials. The integration of AI/ML has shown significant advancements in early-stage drug discovery, where data-driven algorithms enable rapid identification of potential drug candidates, reducing reliance on traditional, labor-intensive methods. In the drug design and optimization phase, AI-driven predictive models have streamlined the process, minimizing the need for extensive physical testing by accurately simulating drug interactions and predicting possible side effects. Additionally, AI and ML are revolutionizing clinical trials by optimizing trial design, improving patient recruitment and retention, and enhancing real-time data monitoring, leading to faster and more reliable trial outcomes. These technologies also support personalized medicine approaches and have proven essential in reducing both the time and cost associated with bringing new therapies to market. Overall, our findings underscore the critical role of AI and ML in reshaping the pharmaceutical landscape, making drug development faster, more cost-effective, and ultimately, more successful in delivering effective treatments to patients.

Bioactive Lipids in Dunaliella salina: Implications for Functional Foods and Health.

Dunaliella salina is a green microalga extensively explored for β-carotene production, while knowledge of its lipid composition is still limited and poorly investigated. Among lipids, polar lipids have been highlighted as bioactive phytochemicals with health-promoting properties. This research aimed to provide an in-depth lipidome profiling of D. salina using liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The lipid content was 6.8%, including phospholipids, glycolipids, betaine lipids, sphingolipids, triglycerides, diglycerides, and pigments. Among the total esterified fatty acids, 13.6% were 18:3 omega-3 and 14.7% were 18:1 omega-9. The lipid extract of D. salina showed anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 activity at 100 µg/mL, dose-dependent antioxidant scavenging activity, and antidiabetic activity by inhibiting α-glucosidase activity at 25 and 125 µg/mL. In conclusion, the lipid extract of D. salina has the potential to be used as a functional food ingredient or in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

A Review on Apple Pomace Bioactives for Natural Functional Food and Cosmetic Products with Therapeutic Health-Promoting Properties.

Apples are consumed lavishly worldwide, while demand is increasing for the management of the huge apple-waste amounts that lead to significant disposal costs and ecological issues. Additionally, apples represent fruits with several bioactive constituents, which are key factors in a healthy, balanced diet. In the present study, an extensive review is presented regarding the bioactive compounds of an apple processing by-product, namely apple pomace, mentioning their significance as viable ingredients/substances in foods and cosmetics aiming at chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Apple pomace contains several constituents, such as polar lipids, phenolics, vitamins and dietary fibers, with potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-aging and skin-protecting properties, and thus, they may contribute to minimizing the risk of various health conditions. Additionally, the mechanisms of action of such functional bioactives from apple pomace exert health benefits that will be examined, while the potential synergistic effects will also be investigated. Moreover, we will present the methods and techniques needed for the utilization of apple pomace in the appropriate form, such as powder, extracts, essential oil and so on, and their several applications in the food and cosmeceutical industry sectors, which summarize that apple pomace represents an ideal alternative to synthetic bioactive compounds.

Impact of season on phytochemistry with special reference to β-Asarone content, extract yield and Pharmacognostic parameter in rhizome of Acorus calamus L.

Demand of medicinal plants is growing exponentially due to its extensive use in nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries. The major problem is the variation in quality and quantity of phytoconstituents with the collection of medicinal plants in each batch. Though, the quality and quantity of phytoconstituents in plants are influenced by various factors, chief among them is seasonal variation. Rhizome of Acorus calamus L. is used in treatment of neurological disorder specially in children. The Ayurvedic system of medicine believes blends of constituent imparts therapeutic activities. The main chemical constituent responsible for cognition enhancement is Asarone. An attempt has been taken to record change in Pharmacognostic parameter with season and evaluate the best collection time of rhizome of Acaorus calamus L. with special reference to extractive value and asarone content.

Is Clean Truly Clean? Allergenic Compounds in Clean Beauty Products

Background: The clean beauty market is projected to reach 39 billion USD by 2033, reflecting the growing demand from consumers who are increasingly conscious of the ingredients in their personal care products. As this trend continues, it has become more crucial to examine the composition of clean beauty products to better assess their safety, efficacy, and impact on consumer health and behavior. However, the lack of a universal consensus on the definition of “clean” has led to varied interpretations within the cosmeceutical and skincare industry. In some cases, the clean beauty movement’s vilification of certain ingredients, such as preservatives, has led to their replacement with potentially more allergenic alternatives, like isothiazolinones. These unintended consequences and the ambiguity surrounding the term “clean” warrant further investigation. Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of allergenic ingredients in clean-labeled skincare products. Methods: The ingredient lists of 313 moisturizers, cleansers, and sunscreens in the “clean skincare” category of the leading online beauty store worldwide (sephora.com) were carefully assessed for the presence of potentially allergenic compounds, selected based on the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allergen listings. Results: Tocopherol, an antioxidant and preservative, was the most common allergen found in the moisturizer and sunscreen categories, present in 73.8% and 63.8% of these products, respectively. Alkyl glucosides were the most common allergens in cleansers, found in 46.7% of products. Preservatives such as phenoxyethanol and benzoate derivatives were consistently present across all three product categories. Conclusions: This study shows that clean-labeled skincare products often contain allergenic ingredients, underscoring the complexity and potential misinterpretation of the safety of these products.

Chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of Ulva reticulata seaweed extracted with different solvents

Abstract. Djoh EFK, Meiyasa F, Ndahawali S, Tarigan N. 2024. Chemical composition, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity of Ulva reticulata seaweed extracted with different solvents. Biodiversitas 25: 2943-2949. Ulva reticulata Forsskal, 1775 is a green seaweed that has the potential to be developed in food, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals; thus, studying the chemical composition and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities is necessary. Ulva reticulata samples were obtained from the waters of Hambuang, Haharu Sub-district, East Sumba Island, dried in the sun for three days, and floured for chemical composition analysis. In addition, water quality was tested regarding pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), and temperature in the Hambuang Waters. Ulva reticulata simplisia was extracted with three different solvents, namely methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform, and then tested for antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus Rosenbach, 1884 and Escherichia coli E and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the water quality of Hambuang was relatively good according to SNI standards with a pH value of 7.52, DO of 6.23 mg/L, and temperature of 31.30°C. Furthermore, the chemical composition of U. reticulata had a moisture content of 12.31%, ash of 23.32%, lipid of 3.04%, protein of 12.93%, and carbohydrate of 48.40%. The antioxidant activity of U. reticulata extract with methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform solvents were 235.31, 174.72, and 146.14 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, U. reticulata extract with methanol, ethyl acetate, and chloroform solvents had antimicrobial activity against S. aureus of 39.59, 33.81, 14.94 mm, and E. coli of 15.94, 17.93, 12.69 mm, respectively. Therefore, U. reticulata has the potential to be used as an ingredient in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries applications.

Analysis of the Marketing Environment of the Cosmeceutical Industry Based on Porter's Five Forces Model and PEST Model

Analysis of the Marketing Environment of the Cosmeceutical Industry Based on Porter's Five Forces Model and PEST Model

Emerging Applications of Herbal-Based Nanocosmeceuticals for Beauty and Skin Therapy

: Herbal cosmeceuticals are a rapidly expanding sector of the personal care industry, and their use has greatly expanded over time. The advancement of research and development is demonstrated by nanotechnology, which boosts product efficacy by delivering innovative solutions. The application of nanotechnology is growing in the field of cosmeceuticals to address numerous shortcomings of conventional herbal products. Lower penetration and high compound instability of various cosmetic products for prolonged and enhanced compound delivery to beauty-based skin therapy are the main problems with the use of phyto-based cosmeceuticals. Nanosized delivery technologies are currently being used in cosmeceutical industries and products for prolonged and improved delivery of phyto-derived bioactive chemicals to solve these drawbacks. The aseptic sensation of many cosmeceutical products is improved by nanosizing phytocompounds, which also improve skin-protective properties and sustained delivery. Nanocosmeceuticals are now commonly utilized on skin, hair, lips, and nails to treat disorders including wrinkles, photoaging, hyperpigmentations, dandruff, hair damage, chapped lips, etc. Some of the cutting-edge nanotechnologies now being used for improved delivery of the phytoconstituents in skin care therapy include liposomes, ethosomes, glycerosomes, transferosomes, niosomes, phytosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, nanogels, etc. The advantages of these novel nanocarriers include improved skin penetration, controlled and prolonged drug release, increased stability, site-specific targeting, high entrapment efficiency, and improved bioavailability. Several phytoconstituents such as curcumin, aloe vera, resveratrol, lycopene, tocopherol, quercetin, catechins, and lutein have been successfully nanosized by employing various delivery technologies and incorporated in various gels, lotions, and creams for skin, lip, hair, and nail care for their sustained effects. The present article primarily focuses on the use of phytocompounds in various cosmeceutical products, diverse classes of innovative nanocarriers employed for delivering herbal nanocosmeceuticals, and the use of various phytobioactive compounds in novel nanocosmeceutical formulations to improve skin-based therapy.

Fish milt and roe‐derived functional proteins and peptides: composition, bioactivities, and applications

SummaryAn expanding list of marine species has been identified and evaluated for their potential bioactivity and nutritional values. Most attention is directed toward utilising protein‐rich by‐products of fish processing for their bioactive functionalities, which can aid in minimising waste and add value to underutilised resources. Milt and roe, the reproductive constituents of fish, are known to contain a high concentration of nutritional content. Bioactive peptides derived from these constituents have shown several biological activities including antihypertensive, antibacterial, anticoagulant, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐obesity, anti‐cancer, and antioxidant activities. These peptides are commonly extracted by enzymatic hydrolysis and purified by different chromatographic methods according to their mass, molecular size, and composition. This review discusses the approaches to produce, purify, and characterise the protein hydrolysates from fish milt and roe and delves into the compositions of the nutraceutical compounds derived from milt and roe. The review also highlights the bioactive properties of the milt and roe‐derived peptides that can have potential applications in the food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.

The effects of glycoside-rich green extract from Centella asiatica (L.) Urban on wound healing and anti-aging activity

BackgroundCentella asiatica (L.) Urban extracts contain triterpenoid compounds, namely, glycosides (madecassoside and asiaticoside) and aglycones (madecassic acid and asiatic acid), that possess skincare properties. The extract with high amounts of active components could guarantee the quality of extracts for application in the cosmeceutical industry. PurposeThis study investigated the dermatological benefits of glycoside-rich green extracts from C. asiatica and different triterpenoid combinations. MethodsSix C. asiatica green extracts with different triterpenoid contents were divided into two groups: glycoside-rich extracts (GRCs), which contained >10 % glycosides, and glycoside-low extracts (GLCs), which contained <10 % glycosides. The GRCs, the GLCs, and the triterpenoid components of the selected extract were diluted with 1 % DMSO to concentrations of 0.1, 1, 10, and 100 µg/ml for cell viability, cell migration and procollagen type I C-peptide (PIP) production assays. For the in vitro antiglycation assay, all the samples were diluted with 2 % ethanol to concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/ml before testing. The best green extract at the optimum concentration was selected, and its activity was compared with that of its triterpenoid components. ResultsAt 10 µg/ml, GRCs promoted wound healing by stimulating fibroblast and keratinocyte motility and increasing collagen production. The main pharmacologically active compounds involved in wound healing were glycosides (madecassoside and asiaticoside). Regarding antiaging activity, 1 mg/ml GRC had a stronger antiglycation effect than combined or individual triterpenoid compounds. Therefore, the antiaging activity of GRC may be mainly attributable to compounds other than triterpenoids. ConclusionC. asiatica green extract containing >10 % glycosides has high development potential for use in the cosmeceutical industry due to its ability to promote wound healing and its antiaging properties.

Acronychia pedunculata Essential Oils from Vietnam: Chemical Constituents, Enzymatic Inhibitory Activities and Molecular Docking Study

Objective/Background: Acronychia pedunculata is commonly found in mountainous regions across Vietnam. The species has been widely used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. Methods: The essential oils (EOs) of A. pedunculata roots, leaves, and flowers were extracted by hydrodistillation process and their chemical compositions were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Besides, the EOs were assayed for in vitro α-amylase and tyrosinase inhibitory activities. In silico molecular docking simulations on the major components of the EOs were conducted. Results: The EOs from A. pedunculata roots and leaves consisted of 41 compounds (97.6 and 95.1%, respectively) while the flower EO comprised 37 compounds (98.7%). α-Pinene was found to be the most abundant component in the root and flower EOs, with the percentages of 63.9% and 52.6%, respectively. (E)-β-Caryophyllene was detected at the highest level (22.8%) in the leaf EO. The root EO had the most potent anti-α-amylase and antityrosinase activities, with IC50 values of 53.73 ± 1.94 and 815.53 ± 3.24 μg/mL, respectively. Its inhibitory activity against α-amylase was stronger than that of acarbose (88.80 ± 1.87 μg/mL). In molecular docking results, limonene was the potential compound in the EOs with the best binding affinity against tyrosinase. Moreover, the evaluation of potential interactions between the main components of the EOs and the selected proteins was elucidated. Conclusions: The findings unveiled that the EOs of A. pedunculata possessed α-amylase and tyrosinase inhibitory effects and potential applications in nutraceutical and cosmeceutical industries.

Comparative Chemical Analysis and Bioactive Properties of Aqueous and Glucan-Rich Extracts of Three Widely Appreciated Mushrooms: Agaricus bisporus (J.E.Lange) Imbach, Laetiporus sulphureus (Bull.) Murill and Agrocybe aegerita (V. Brig.) Vizzini.

Herein we describe the antioxidant, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing potential of aqueous and polysaccharide extracts from three widely appreciated mushrooms: Agrocybe aegerita, Laetiporus sulphureus and Agaricus bisporus. Moreover, we present their detailed phenolic, polysaccharide and protein profiles and ATR-FTIR spectra. The study found that polysaccharide extracts (PEs) from mushrooms had higher total and β-glucan levels than aqueous extracts (AEs), with A. aegerita showing the highest content. L. sulphureus had a higher total protein content, and A. aegerita AE had the highest phenolic content. Our results indicate that all the tested extracts have high potential regarding their bioactive properties, with A. aegerita being the most promising one. Namely, the antibacterial activity assay showed that the development of the skin-infection-causing agent, Staphylococcus aureus, was inhibited with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 4.00 mg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentration of 8.00 mg/mL, while the results regarding wound healing showed that, over the course of 24 h, the A. aegerita extract actively promoted wound closure in the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line model. The anti-inflammatory activity results clearly showed that when we used S. aureus as an inflammation-inducing agent and the A. aegerita aqueous extract in treatment, IL-6 levels reduced to the level of 4.56 pg/mL. The obtained data suggest that the tested mushroom extracts may serve as a source of bioactive compounds, with potential applications in the cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and food industries. Furthermore, potential skin preparations carefully crafted with mushroom extract may help restore the skin's barrier function, decrease the probability of staph infections and minimize skin irritation.

Ceramide 3 Effect on the Physical Properties of Ambora Extract and Chromabright-Loaded Transethosomes.

Spontaneous self-assembly of phospholipids into lipid vesicles in aqueous media is called liposomes, and these structures are widely used as nanocarriers in the cosmeceutical industry. Transethosomes are ethanol and edge activator-containing liposomes that are proven to be very effective in topical applications for penetrating the skin barrier. Many cosmeceutical products contain formulations with ceramides to restore the skin barrier and treat eczema. However, due to the low solubility and penetration ability of the ceramides, the effectiveness of these products is limited. In this study, a transethosome formulation containing ceramide 3 (Cer 3) was achieved by introducing varying concentrations of cholesterol and an edge activator (Tween 80) to improve the effect of the skin products used to treat eczema. The obtained transethosomes were examined in terms of size, homogeneity, zeta potential, morphology, and one-month stability. Loading capability experiments were carried out with lipophilic Chromabright and hydrophilic Ambora extract. The effect of Cer 3 on the loading of the selected payloads was evaluated. Data were analyzed statistically with linear regression analysis and two-way analysis of variance. The results showed that the inclusion of Cer 3 had almost no effect on the physical properties of the loaded or empty transethosomes. Independently of the presence of Cer 3, loading of the lipophilic compound was more efficient than that of the hydrophilic one.

Enhanced Curculigoside and Phenolic Compounds Elevate Antioxidant Activity in C. orchioides Gaertn In Vitro Under Exogenous Augmentation with Elicitors Salicylic Acid (SA) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 6000

Abstract Introduction Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, an endangered medicinal plant, possesses a bioactive compound known as curculigoside (phenolic glycoside) in addition to other phenolic compounds. Curculigoside has multifunctional pharmacological properties including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Advances in plant tissue culture provide us with tools for the in vitro propagation of medicinal plants in addition to a well-founded system to enhance pharmacologically bioactive compounds through the use of elicitors. Objective The study evaluates the effect of exogenous application of salicylic acid (SA) and polyethylene glycol 6000 (PEG 6000) to in vitro cultures of C. orchioides for enhanced curculigoside, phenolic compounds production followed by an increase in antioxidant activity (AA). Method Eight-week-old subcultured plants grown in one-fourth strength Murashige and Skoog media were subjected to elicitors treatment. SA (10, 100, and 1,000 ppm) and a PEG 6000 (1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 ppm) were used as elicitors for a period of 1, 2, and 4 weeks. Plants without treatment were considered as control. The treated plants were subjected to 80% acetone solvent for efficient phenolic extract preparation. High-performance liquid chromatography was used for the analysis of curculigoside content (CC), and total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method. AA was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Results SA treatment increased CC, TPC, and biological activity of AA properties compared to the control, with the maximum value observed at 10 ppm treatment after week 1 elicitation. CC, TPC, and AA gradually decreased after week 2 elicitation, and the lowest values were observed after week 4 elicitation. In the PEG 6000 treatment, 10,000 ppm elicited the highest CC and TPC, with the maximum AA observed after week 2 elicitation. The treatment also elicited higher CC, TPC, and AA in both the 1st and 4th weeks compared to the control. Conclusion SA and PEG 6000 successfully enhanced CC, TPC, and improved AA in C. orchioides in vitro. The study also offers insightful information for the neutraceutical, cosmeceutical, and pharmaceutical industries about how to potentially manipulate medicinal plants in vitro to increase the synthesis of bioactive compounds.

Oil-yielding Non-timber Plants Seeds: A Review on their Application for Health Care Products

Abstract: Oil-yielding non-timber forest products (NTFPs), such as Diploknema butyracea (Roxb.) H. J. Lam, Saipindus mukurossi Gaertn, and Hippophae salicifolia L. are widely distributed throughout Nepal and have traditionally been used as medicines by the locals since ancient times. Extensive scientific studies have demonstrated a wide range of benefits of these plants, which can have multiple uses in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and food industries. The potential of the plants, however, has not been fully explored, and they are, thus, minimally used only by locals. These plants have the potential for the development of several value-added products, leading to commercialization. This paper aims to explore in detail the health benefits and economic values of these plants to review the entrepreneurial aspects, improved farming and processing, and value addition in the product.

Avocado Fruit and Leaf Bioactive Phytochemicals and Cosmeceutical Applications: A Scoping Review

The cosmeceutical industry has been blooming over the years, necessitating a demand for safe and effective options. Fruit bioactive compounds are reported as safe for human health and broadly effective alternatives with less adverse effects. Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tropical fruit rich in phytonutrients and lipid-soluble bioactive compounds. These compounds have been reported to have various potential health benefits, including improving skin health. This scoping review investigated the bioactive compounds of avocados that were reported to confer beneficial activities on the skin. Published data between August 1982 till February 2022 were extracted from Ovid Medline, Scopus, Pubmed, SciFinder and Web of Science. A total of 307 published articles were identified using the search terms, of which 31 full articles were reviewed and appraised in this synthesis. This comprehensive scoping review examined the cosmeceutical activities of bioactive phytochemicals found in avocado (Persea americana Mill.) outlining their mechanisms of action. The review highlighted the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-tyrosinase, and anti-aging properties of avocado extracts. Acetone extracts, especially from seeds, showed the highest antioxidant capacity and were also effective in antimicrobial activities. Methanol extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, bioactive compounds from avocados were found to enhance wound healing and anti-aging effects, such as increasing collagen production and improving skin hydration and elasticity. This scoping review provides a comprehensive collection of evidence and critically appraises recent literature on bioactive compounds of Avocado and extraction solvents and potential cosmeceutical applications.

Microbial upcycling of methane to phytoene using metabolically engineered Methylocystis sp. MJC1 strain

Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, requires sustainable mitigation strategies. Here, the microbial upcycling of methane to phytoene, a valuable colorless carotenoid with applications in the cosmeceutical industry was demonstrated. To achieve this goal, a stepwise metabolic engineering approach was employed in Methylocystis sp. MJC1, a methane-oxidizing bacterium. The incorporation of crtE and crtB genes from Deinococcus radiodurans R1 established the phytoene biosynthetic pathway. This pathway was fine-tuned through promoter optimization, resulting in a phytoene production of 450 μg/L from 37 mmol/L methane. Disrupting the ackA gene reduced a by-product, acetate, by 50 % and increased phytoene production by 56 %. Furthermore, overexpressing the dxs gene boosted phytoene titer 3-fold. The optimized strain produced 15 mg/L phytoene from 2 mol/L methane in fed-batch fermentation, a 4-fold increase in phytoene titer and 4-fold in yield. This demonstrates Methylocystis sp. MJC1′s potential for efficient phytoene production and presents a novel approach for greenhouse gas reduction.

Plant Essential Oil Nanoemulgel as a Cosmeceutical Ingredient: A Review

Essential oils (EOs) are concentrated, hydrophobic volatile compounds derived from different parts of plants. They are recognized for their diverse and versatile functional properties. Approximately 90% of EOs are administered via topical or transdermal routes. However, EOs are susceptible to oxidation, and their high volatility often poses a challenge to the transdermal delivery of their bioactive constituents. Additionally, the direct application of pure EOs on the skin may result in irritating effects. Hence, various novel carrier systems have been explored for the topical application of EOs. Among these, nanoemulgel has received particular attention from the cosmeceutical industry. It is a hybrid technology combining nanoemulsion and a gelling phase, which can enhance the bioadhesivity of EOs, at the same time minimizing their irritating effects. This review summarizes the methods of EO extraction, steps and factors influencing the preparation of EO nanoemulgel, and characterization parameters for nanoemulgel studies. The potential cosmeceutical applications of EO nanoemulgels as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and penetration enhancer are also compiled and discussed.

Camellia Oleifera oil-loaded chitosan nanoparticles embedded in hydrogels as cosmeceutical products with improved biological properties and sustained drug release

Hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol), silk sericin, and gelatin containing Camellia oleifera oil (CO)-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) were fabricated. The loading of CO into CSNPs was achieved by a two-step procedure, which included an oil-in-water emulsion and an ionic gelation method. SEM images of CO-loaded CSNPs illustrated the spherical shape with aggregation of the nanoparticles. The particle size and polydispersity index were 541–1089 nm and 0.39–0.65, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were 3–16 % and 4–6 %, respectively. The gelatin/poly(vinyl alcohol)/sericin hydrogels were fabricated and incorporated with CO or CO-loaded CSNPs with different concentrations of CO-loaded CSNPs. All hydrogels demonstrated a porous structure. Besides, the hydrogels containing CO-loaded CSNPs showed a more controlled and sustained release profile than the hydrogels containing CO. Moreover, the hydrogels showed tyrosinase inhibition (9–13 %) and antioxidant activity (37–60 %). Finally, the hydrogels containing CO-loaded CSNPs were non-toxic to the Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts and NCTC clone 929 cells, even at a high dosage of 50 mg/mL. As a result, these hydrogels exhibited excellent potential for use in cosmeceutical industries.