Multifunctional Ingredients Research Articles

Bovine β-lactoglobulin peptides as novel carriers for flavonoids extracted with supercritical fluids from yellow onion skins.

Our study describes in detail the binding mechanism between the main flavonoids that were extracted from onion skins by supercritical CO2 and peptides from whey proteins, from the perspective of obtaining multifunctional ingredients, with health-promoting benefits. The supercritical CO2 extract had 202.31± 11.56mg quercetin equivalents/g DW as the major flavonoid and antioxidant activity of 404.93±1.39mMTrolox/g DW. The experiments on thermolysin-derived peptides fluorescence quenching by flavonoids extract allowed estimating the binding parameters, in terms of binding constants, and the number of binding sites. The thermodynamic analysis indicated that the main forces involved in complex formation were hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions. Molecular docking tests indicated that peptide fluorescence quenching upon gradual addition of onion skin extract might be due to flavonoids binding by Val15 -Ser21 . All 7 to 14 amino acids long peptides appeared to have affinity toward quercetin-3,4'-O-diglucoside and quercetin-4'-O-monoglucoside. The study is important as a potential solution for reuse of valuable resources, underutilized, such as whey peptides and yellow onion skins flavonoids for efficient microencapsulation, as a holistic approach to deliver healthy and nutritious food. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: A growing interest was noticed in the last years in investigating the interactions between proteins and different biologically active compounds, such as to provide knowledge for efficient development of new food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products. Recent studies suggest that flavonoid-protein complexes may be designed to improve the functional performance of the flavonoids. The results obtained in this study bring certain benefits in terms of exploiting the bioactive potential of both flavonoids and bioactive peptides, for developing of formulas with improved functional properties.

Co-Microencapsulation of Flavonoids from Yellow Onion Skins and Lactic Acid Bacteria Lead to Multifunctional Ingredient for Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutics Applications.

In this study, flavonoids extracted from yellow onion skins and Lactobacillus casei were encapsulated in a combination of whey protein isolate, inulin and maltodextrin with an encapsulation efficiency of 84.82 ± 0.72% for flavonoids and 72.49 ± 0.11% for lactic acid bacteria. The obtained powder showed a flavonoid content of 89.49 ± 4.12 mg quercetin equivalents/g dry weight (DW) and an antioxidant activity of 39.27 ± 0.45 mM Trolox/g DW. The powder presented a significant antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential, with an inhibitory effect on α-amylase, lipase and lipoxygenase of 76.40 ± 2.30%, 82.58 ± 3.36% and 49.01 ± 0.62%, respectively. The results obtained for in vitro digestion showed that the coating materials have a protective effect on the flavonoids release. Cytotoxicity results indicated that the powder was cytocompatible up to a concentration of 500 μg/mL. The functional potential of the powder was tested by adding in a selected food matrix, highlighting a good stability of the phytochemicals, whereas an increase with 1 log cell forming unit (CFU)/g DW was observed after 21 days of storage. The obtained results are promising in the valorization of natural antioxidants in combination with lactic acid bacteria in order to develop multifunctional ingredients with value-added for food and pharmaceutics applications.

Ethanolic extracts of South African plants, Buddleja saligna Willd. and Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet, as multifunctional ingredients in sunscreen formulations

Exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major contributing factor to the increasing number of skin cancer cases. Interest has grown to use plant extracts as natural ingredients in cosmetic formulations due to their photoprotective effect, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as other biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological activity of two South African plant extracts, Helichrysum odoratissimum (L.) Sweet. and Buddleja saligna Willd., and to successfully incorporate these extracts into sunscreen formulations (o/w emulsions) due to their reported biological activity. Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the leaves and stems of H. odoratissimum and B. saligna and evaluated for their antioxidant activity, mutagenic potential and antiproliferative activity against human dermal fibroblasts (MRHF). The extracts were further characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thereafter, the extracts were incorporated into separate sunscreen formulations to evaluate the in vivo dermal irritancy potential, in vivo sun protection factor, in vitro UVA protection, photostability and long term stability of the formulation, to confirm that by incorporating the extracts, the stability or photoprotective effect of the sunscreen formulation was not reduced and that these formulation were considered safe for topical application. Three separate sunscreen formulations were prepared; the base sunscreen formulation (formulation A), the base sunscreen formulation containing B. saligna (formulation B) and H. odoratissimum (formulation C) respectively. Both extracts showed significant radical scavenging activity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay with a fifty percent inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 5.13 ± 0.07 and 8.16 ± 0.34 µg/mL for H. odoratissimum and B. saligna respectively. No mutagenic activity was observed when the extracts were tested in the Ames assay using Salmonella typhimurium (TA98 and TA100). The PrestoBlue® cell viability assay was used to determine the antiproliferative activity of the extracts against MRHF cells, both extracts showed an IC50 value >90 µg/mL. Photoprotective activity was measured using in vivo sun protection factor (SPF) test method according to South African (SANS 1557) and International (ISO 24444) standards as well as the in vitro UVA SPF testing procedure (ISO 24443). The SPF results showed that the formulations had broad-spectrum UV protection with SPF values of 15.8±0.41, 16.1±0.66 and 16.0±0.49 and UVAPF values of 6.47±0.06, 6.45±0.06 and 6.47±0.07 for formulation A, B and C respectively. Furthermore, the formulations remained stable under normal and extreme conditions and the plant extracts did not affect the photoprotective effect of the sunscreen formulations and contributed towards the formulations stability. Additionally, each of the formulations were photostable, whereas the formulations with the addition of the extracts showed an incremental increase in photostability when compared to the base formulation. Both these extracts have been previously reported to display antiproliferative activity against skin cancer cell lines (previously published data), with an IC50 value of 31.80 ± 0.35 µg/mL (human malignant melanoma, UCT-MEL-1) for B. saligna and IC50 values of 15.50 ± 0.20 (human epidermoid carcinoma, A431) and 55.50 ± 6.60 µg/mL (human malignant melanoma, A375) for H. odoratissimum, contributing towards the medicinal benefit of using these extracts as ingredients into sunscreen formulations. Therefore, Helichrysum odoratissimum and Buddleja saligna could be considered as useful and viable additives to sunscreen formulations due to their reported biological activity.

Alteration of the goat milk glycoproteins N/O-glycome at different lactation stages

Goat milk oligosaccharides represent an unexplored multi-functional ingredient for the dairy industry. Here, we qualitatively and quantitatively compared the N/O-glycome at different lactation stages via online hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Complex N-glycans and high mannose N-glycans constituted 82.1% and 17.9% of the glycan pool, respectively. N-glycans with isomers containing non-bisected antenna complex structures accounted for 30.8%. N-glycans modified with Neu5Ac, Neu5Gc and fucosylated were 3.7%, 5.3% and 35.3%. The triantennary trifucosylated complex N-glycan (H5N5F3) was reported for the first time. A comparison between colostrum and mature milk revealed a 1.20-fold decrease in total N-glycans and 1.66-fold decrease in fucosylation with ongoing lactation, echoing the trend in human milk. Similarly, Neu5Ac- and Neu5Gc-modified sialylation decreased by 1.69 and 3.62 times, respectively. In the O-glycome, 46.2% of structures were O-linked core 1, 23.1% were O-linked core 2, 7.7% were O-linked core 3 and core 4. As lactation progressed, overall O-glycans content decreased by 1.26-fold. Unlike human milk, Neu5Ac- and Neu5Gc-modified sialylation increased by 4.4 and 2 times, respectively. These findings will facilitate research on the structure-function relationship of goat milk oligosaccharides and the development of formula food targeting different age groups.

Whey protein hydrolysate as a multi-functional ingredient in diets for Arctic charr: Effect on growth response and hepatic antioxidative status

Whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) is a potential functional ingredient in salmonid feeds, as a source of protein with a mixture of peptides of varying chain lengths and free amino acids, which possess antioxidative properties. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of including low levels of WPH in Arctic charr diets and its effect on growth performance, feed intake and oxidative indicators. Six salmonid diets were formulated to contain WPH at inclusion levels of: 0.0, 1.0, 5.1, 10.1, 25.5 or 51.0 g/kg. Fish meal was included in the diets at a level of 81.6 g/kg and fish oil at 51.0 g/kg. Diets were fed to Arctic charr (average weight: 34.1 g; 30 fish / 130 l tank; 3 tanks / treatment). There were no significant differences in the overall body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, specific growth rate, fork length, viscerosomatic index or hepatosomatic index of fish fed the experimental diets, nor were there any significant linear or quadratic effects related to WPH inclusion level. There were also no significant differences among treatments for the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) or ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) in liver samples. Although there were no significant differences in the growth performance and antioxidative capacity as a result of WPH inclusion, biological results—particularly at 5.1 g/kg WPH—warrant further study to fully evaluate the potential of WPH when oxidative stress is induced. Benefits of the dietary inclusion level of 5.1 g/kg WPH under normal conditions include 9% higher weight gain and feed consumption, lower TBARS values, and induction of oxidative stress mechanisms. Based on growth performance results alone, however, it appears WPH is an effective protein source at dietary inclusion levels up to 51.0 g/kg for juvenile Arctic charr.

Are olive pomace powders a safe source of bioactives and nutrients?

The olive oil industry generates significant amounts of semi-solid wastes, namely olive pomace. Olive pomace is a by-product rich in high-value compounds (e.g. dietary fibre, unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols) widely explored to obtain new food ingredients. However, conventional extraction methods frequently use organic solvents, while novel eco-friendly techniques have high operational costs. The development of powdered products without any extraction step has been proposed as a more feasible and sustainable approach. The present study fractionated and valorized the liquid and pulp fraction of olive pomace obtaining two stable and safe powdered ingredients, namely a liquid-enriched powder (LOPP) and a pulp-enriched powder (POPP). These powders were characterized chemically, and their bioactivity was assessed. LOPP exhibited a significant amount of mannitol (141 g kg-1 ), potassium (54 g kg-1 ) and hydroxytyrosol derivatives (5 mg g-1 ). POPP exhibited a high amount of dietary fibre (620 g kg-1 ) associated with a significant amount of bound phenolics (7.41 mg GAE g-1 fibre DW) with substantial antioxidant activity. POPP also contained an unsaturated fatty acid composition similar to that of olive oil (76% of total fatty acids) and showed potential as a reasonable source of protein (12%). Their functional properties (solubility, water-holding and oil-holding capacity), antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity were also assessed, and their biological safety was verified. The development of olive pomace powders for application in the food industry could be a suitable strategy to add value to olive pomace and obtain safe multifunctional ingredients with higher health-promoting effects than dietary fibre and polyphenols. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enzymatically cross-linked skim milk powder: Enhanced rheological and functional properties

Enzymatically cross-linking milk proteins by microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) is a promising strategy in developing and promoting desired multi-functional properties of dairy foods. This study evaluated the effect of MTGase treatments (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 U g−1 milk protein) of skim milk at two different incubation conditions (20 min at 38 °C, 12 h at 4 °C) on rheological and structural characteristics of spray dried skim milk powders (SMP). SMP samples treated with MTGase showed significantly increased particle size. Cross-linking milk proteins by MTGase revealed significant improvements in powder flowability characteristics by means of lower aeration and basic flow energies, and higher bulk density and compressibility properties compared with the control SMP. Overall, cross-linked SMP offers a promising option as a multi-functional ingredient for the dairy and/or composite food producers, and appearing to be an efficient option in improving powder rheological properties for dairy powder manufacturers.

Amaranth as a bread enriching ingredient

Amaranth is a promising raw material for enriching foods with protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre, squalene, and other nutrients. However, its varieties differ significantly in composition and properties. The research included two stages. At first, we studied the composition of eight amaranth varieties grown in a collection nursery of Voronezh State Agrarian University. Their composition was a factor that determined their functional use as an enriching ingredient. We found that amaranth grain of the Universal variety could be best used to increase the biological value of foods, whereas the Universal and Valentina varieties could be recommended as multifunctional ingredients. The addition of enriching ingredients into foods, including breads, often leads to changes in their traditional consumer properties. Therefore, our next step was to study changes in the composition of Universal amaranth during extrusion using IR spectroscopy. Also, we assessed the effect of amaranth extrudate on the baking properties of model wheat flour and extrudate mixtures as the main factor of the product’s consumer properties. The results showed a redistribution of moisture between flour gluten proteins and extrudate dietary fibre. We also established amounts of amaranth extrudate needed to ensure the preservation of crumb appearance and structure close to the traditional ones.

A novel dietary multifunctional ingredient reduces body weight and improves leptin sensitivity in cafeteria diet-fed rats

Abstract The use of a single family of dietary bioactive compounds has not been sufficient to manage highly regulated mechanisms such as body weight. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effect of a multifunctional ingredient (MIX) based on the co-administration of a low dose of conjugated linoleic acid with the protein hydrolysate from chicken feet, Hpp11, and a mixture of grape-seed proanthocyanidins and berry anthocyanins on body weight management in obese rats fed a cafeteria diet. The daily oral administration of the MIX for three weeks significantly reversed obesity and hyperleptinemia and increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. In addition, animals administered the MIX exhibited greater hypothalamic activation of STAT3 in POMC-expressing neurons than non-supplemented animals. Our results strongly suggest that the co-administration of different bioactive compounds could be a promising strategy to complement the existing therapies against obesity and leptin resistance.

Surface Active Agents and Their Health-Promoting Properties: Molecules of Multifunctional Significance.

Surface active agents (SAAs) are molecules with the capacity to adsorb to solid surfaces and/or fluid interfaces, a property that allows them to act as multifunctional ingredients (e.g., wetting and dispersion agents, emulsifiers, foaming and anti-foaming agents, lubricants, etc.) in a widerange of the consumer products of various industrial sectors (e.g., pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, personal care, detergents, food, etc.). Given their widespread utilization, there is a continuously growing interest to explore their role in consumer products (relevant to promoting human health) and how such information can be utilized in order to synthesize better chemical derivatives. In this review article, weaimed to provide updated information on synthetic and biological (biosurfactants) SAAs and their health-promoting properties (e.g., anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-aging) in an attempt to better define some of the underlying mechanism(s) by which they exert such properties.

The anti-ageing effects of a natural peptide discovered by artificial intelligence.

As skin ages, impaired extracellular matrix (ECM) protein synthesis and increased action of degradative enzymes manifest as atrophy, wrinkling and laxity. There is mounting evidence for the functional role of exogenous peptides across many areas, including in offsetting the effects of cutaneous ageing. Here, using an artificial intelligence (AI) approach, we identified peptide RTE62G (pep_RTE62G), a naturally occurring, unmodified peptide with ECM stimulatory properties. The AI-predicted anti-ageing properties of pep_RTE62G were then validated through in vitro, ex vivo and proof of concept clinical testing. A deep learning approach was applied to unlock pep_RTE62G from a plant source, Pisum sativum (pea). Cell culture assays of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and keratinocytes (HaCaTs) were subsequently used to evaluate the in vitro effect of pep_RTE62G. Distinct activities such as cell proliferation and ECM protein production properties were determined by ELISA assays. Cell migration was assessed using a wound healing assay, while ECM protein synthesis and gene expression were analysed, respectively, by immunofluorescence microscopy and PCR. Immunohistochemistry of human skin explants was employed to further investigate the induction of ECM proteins by pep_RTE62G ex vivo. Finally, the clinical effect of pep_RTE626 was evaluated in a proof of concept 28-day pilot study. In vitro testing confirmed that pep_RTE62G is an effective multi-functional anti-ageing ingredient. In HaCaTs, pep_RTE62G treatment significantly increases both cellular proliferation and migration. Similarly, in HDFs, pep_RTE62G consistently induced the neosynthesis of ECM protein elastin and collagen, effects that are upheld in human skin explants. Lastly, in our proof of concept clinical study, application of pep_RTE626 over 28days demonstrated anti-wrinkle and collagen stimulatory potential. pep_RTE62G represents a natural, unmodified peptide with AI-predicted and experimentally validated anti-ageing properties. Our results affirm the utility of AI in the discovery of novel, functional topical ingredients.

Identification of Gelatin in Dental Materials using the Combination of Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Chemometrics

Gelatin is a multifunctional ingredient widely used in the food and beverage industries. It is also useful in pharmaceutical industry, such as in the manufacturing of dental materials, whether as a main ingredient or an additive. The dental materials traded within Indonesia come from imported goods and local manufacturers. Gelatin is obtained through hydrolysis of cartilages, bones, and skins of cows, pigs and fish. Therefore, the presence of gelatin in dental materials posses critical haram risk for Moslems. This research aimed to examine the presence of gelatin in dental materials using Attenuated Total Reflection-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) combined with chemometrics. Gelatin was identified from comparing the infrared (IR) spectrum between samples and standard gelatin of bovine and porcine origins. We combined the IR data with chemometrics through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and subsequent Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy (SIMCA) techniques in order to authenticate the gelatin source. The result showed that 4 out of 49 samples (DM-1, DM-6, DM-18, and DM-27) were detected with gelatin. Based on chemometrics analysis, one sample (DM-6) had similar profile with porcine gelatin. The research highlighted the potential use of combined techniques of ATR-FTIR and chemometrics in authenticating the gelatin source in pharmaceutical products.

Microbial Biosurfactants as Key Multifunctional Ingredients for Sustainable Cosmetics

A polar head and an apolar tail chemically characterize surfactants, they show different properties and are categorized by different factors such as head charge and molecular weight. They work by reducing the surface tension between oil and water phases to facilitate the formation of one homogeneous mixture. In this respect, they represent unavoidable ingredients, their main application is in the production of detergents, one of if not the most important categories of cosmetics. Their role is very important, it should be remembered that it was precisely soaps and hygiene that defeated the main infectious diseases at the beginning of the last century. Due to their positive environmental impact, the potential uses of microbial sourced surfactants are actively investigated. These compounds are produced with different mechanisms by microorganisms in the aims to defend themselves from external threats, to improve the mobility in the environment, etc. In the cosmetic field, biosurfactants, restricted in the present work to those described above, can carry high advantages, in comparison to traditional surfactants, especially in the field of sustainable and safer approaches. Besiede this, costs still remain an obsatcle to their diffusion; in this regard, exploration of possible multifunctional actions could help to contain application costs. To highlight their features and possible multifunctional role, on the light of specific biological profiles yet underestimated, we have approached the present review work.

Spruce Galactoglucomannan-Stabilized Emulsions Enhance Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds

The increasing public awareness of health and sustainability has prompted the development of functional foods rich in health-promoting ingredients. Processing technologies and sustainable multifunctional ingredients are needed for structuring these formulations. Spruce galactoglucomannan (GGM), the main hemicelluloses in softwood cell walls, are an abundantly available, emerging sustainable food hydrocolloid that have the ability to efficiently emulsify and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. In this study, we illustrate how this lignocellulosic stabilizer affects the digestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in vitro. A 100% decrease in the initial TAG content was observed during the in vitro digestion, suggesting that complete hydrolysis of the TAGs was achieved by the digestive enzymes. Besides, no release of mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides or phenolic compounds from GGM was detected. Our results demonstrate that the GGM-stabilized emulsion could potentially deliver lipophilic bioactive ingredients and enhance their bioaccessibility. In addition, this bio-stabilizer itself would remain stable in the upper gastrointestinal track and serve as a prebiotic for gut microbiota. We anticipate GGM to complement or even replace many of the conventional carriers of bioactive components in future health care products and functional foods.

Nanocomplexes of whey protein fibrillar aggregates and quercetin as novel multi-functional biopolymeric ingredients: interaction, chemical structure, and bio-functionality

This study aimed to use whey protein fibril (WPF) as a solubility enhancer for the quercetin at an acidic condition (pH 3.5) similar to the food beverages. The fibrillar aggregates formed by 6.0 h heating of whey protein solution showed the highest ability to form the soluble complexes with quercetin due to their high surface hydrophobicity. The sedimentation of quercetin during the storage was considerably decreased by binding to WPF. The association between WPF and quercetin through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding was detected by intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The morphology of complexes was investigated using atomic force microscopy. The surface charge density, apparent viscosity, surface tension, and foaming properties (foaming capacity and foam stability) of WPF were affected by binding to quercetin. The bound quercetin endowed whey protein nanofibrils with a strong radical scavenging activity and reducing power. The release of quercetin from WPF-quercetin complex was investigated under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results of this study revealed that whey protein nanofibril is an ideal natural nanoscale carrier for improving the water solubility of quercetin, and the resulting complexes can be used as novel multi-functional ingredients in the formulation of food products especially acidic beverages.

Cosmetic potential of lignin extracts from alkaline-treated sugarcane bagasse: Optimization of extraction conditions using response surface methodology

Each year, sugarcane bagasse, a low-priced by-product of the sugar industry, is generated in large quantities. The aim of this study was to optimize the alkaline hydrolysis condition for the extraction of lignin from sugarcane bagasse using response surface methodology combined with Box-Behnken design, and to evaluate functional properties of lignin extracts for cosmetic applications. Three process parameters were varied (NaOH solution concentrations (3–7% w/v), temperatures (115–135 °C), and times (30–60 min)). The second-order polynomial model developed and the subsequent ANOVA test showed that the optimal conditions providing the highest total phenolic content (69.41 ± 0.32 mg gallic acid equivalent/g extract), antioxidant activity (262.30 ± 2.98 mg Trolox equivalent/g extract), and sun protection factor (8.65 ± 0.21) were as follows: NaOH solution concentration of 7% w/v, temperature of 135 °C, and time of 47.92 min. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis revealed the functional groups present in the lignin extract that affected its activities. The extract showed both UVA and UVB-absorbing properties and tyrosinase-inhibitory properties. The results suggested that the lignin extract obtained from alkaline hydrolysis of sugarcane bagasse has great potential as a bioactive multi-functional ingredient that can offer anti-ageing, sun-protection, and skin-whitening properties for sun care formulations.

Characterization of Cistus × incanus L. and Cistus ladanifer L. Extracts as Potential Multifunctional Antioxidant Ingredients for Skin Protecting Cosmetics.

Skin is constantly exposed to harmful environmental factors, causing photo-oxidative stress in cells and leading to the development of health and aesthetic problems. Multifunctional ingredients of everyday skincare products, possessing antioxidant, UV-protecting, anti-hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer-preventing properties are in high demand. Due to the high content of polyphenolic compounds Cistus × incanus L. and Cistus ladanifer L. are potentially interesting sources of cosmetic ingredients with multiple skin protecting functions. In this study eight extracts from dried C. incanus and C. ladanifer—aerial parts were prepared using 60% (v/v) or 100% (v/v) methanol, on a magnetic stirrer or in Soxhlet apparatus, and compared for their content of phytochemicals and properties important for the skin protection. Extracts from C. incanus prepared in 60% (v/v) methanol contained the highest amount of polyphenolic compounds (331.82–347.27 mg GAE/g DW) and showed the most significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 3.81–4.05 µg/mL). C. incanus extracts were also effective tyrosinase inhibitors (30–70% inhibition at 100 µg/mL). Statistical correlation analysis revealed that epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and myricitrin may be responsible for the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of C. incanus extracts. All analyzed extracts were cytotoxic for human melanoma cells A375 (IC50 = 57.80–199.01 µg/mL), with C. incanus extract prepared in 100% (v/v) methanol using Soxhlet extraction being the most effective. The extracts did not significantly impair the growth of noncancerous human keratinocytes HaCaT. C. incanus and C. ladanifer extracts possess also natural sun protecting activity (SPF 3.42–3.77 at 100 µg/mL), enhancing their anti-hyperpigmentation and anti-melanoma potential.

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A New Approach to UV Protection by Direct Surface Functionalization of TiO2 with the Antioxidant Polyphenol Dihydroxyphenyl Benzimidazole Carboxylic Acid.

Skin cancer is the most common malignant cancer with an incidence of 1 million cases/year. It is well known that exposure to UV radiation from sunlight leads the most frequent risk factors for several skin disorders including skin cancer. Sunscreen filters represent a valid protection against dangerous effects derived from UV radiation, and they can be divided in organic and inorganic UV filters. Adding, at the product formulation, molecules with booster effect, or also substances that can increase the protecting effectiveness via synergic mechanisms, can further enhance their protection activity. Moreover, this approach leads to develop formulations with high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) with a reduced content of UV filters, this is in line with the recent decisions of yet a few countries (Palau, Thailand, Philippines, and Hawaii) to ban some sunscreen filters to preserve marine environments (i.e., reef). In this work, a new class of sunscreen UV filters has been synthesized, by means the combination of physical filter and Oxisol, an antioxidant molecule with booster effect. In this study, the synthesis of new physical multifunctional ingredients is reported, by means the direct surface functionalization of inorganic filters (in particular TiO2) with Oxisol. In this study, the full characterization of these multifunctional ingredients is also reported, in addition to the cytotoxicity tests, the photocatalytic activity and the rheological properties involved on skin application.

Green sustainable process to revalorize purple corn cobs within a biorefinery frame: Co-production of bioactive extracts

Purple corn (Zea mays L.) is used for the preparation of traditional drinks and desserts, generating great quantities of residues. The scarce information about purple corn cob (PCC) is encouraging an interest in exploring its potential as a valuable source of bioactive compounds with benefits for human health. In this study, a green method based on hydrothermal processing was used for the simultaneous extraction of oligosaccharides and phenolic compounds from PCC. For this purpose, the effects of three factors (time, temperature and pH) on the oligosaccharide content (OSC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), as well as on the antioxidant activity measured with three different methods (DPPH, ABTS and FRAP) were evaluated. The bioactive extract obtained under optimal conditions presented a high content of bioactive compounds exhibiting a notable antioxidant capacity and moderate inhibitory activities towards xanthine oxidase. This extract was also structurally characterized by FTIR, HPAEC-DAD, MALDI-TOF-MS and TGA, and the HPLC-ESI-MS analysis led to the tentative identification of 15 antioxidant phenolic compounds. Thus, this research demonstrated that this residue from the food industry has a high potential for obtaining several bioactive compounds that can be utilized as multi-functional ingredients in the food and pharmaceutical industries.