Comparison among Different Green Extraction Methods of Polyphenolic Compounds from Exhausted Olive Oil Pomace and the Bioactivity of the Extracts.

The use of by-products as a source of bioactive compounds with economic added value is one of the objectives of a circular economy. The olive oil industry is a source of olive pomace as a by-product. The olive pomace used in the present study was the exhausted olive pomace, which is the by-product generated from the air drying and subsequent hexane extraction of residual oil from the olive pomace. The objective was to extract bioactive compounds remaining in this by-product. Various types of green extraction were used in the present study: solvent extraction (water and hydroalcoholic); ultrasound-assisted extraction; Ultra-Turrax-assisted extraction; and enzyme-assisted extraction (cellulase; viscoenzyme). The phenolic profile of each extract was determined using HPLC-DAD and the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH, and ORAC) were determined as well. The results showed significant differences in the yield of extraction among the different methods used, with the enzyme-assisted, with or without ultrasound, extraction presenting the highest values. The ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic extraction (USAHE) was the method that resulted in the highest content of the identified phenolic compounds: 2.021 ± 0.29 mg hydroxytyrosol/100 mg extract, 0.987 ± 0.09 mg tyrosol/100 mg extract, and 0.121 ± 0.005 mg catechol/100 mg extract. The conventional extraction with water at 50 °C produced the best results for TPC and antioxidant activity of the extracts. The extracts from the USAHE were able to inhibit Gram-positive bacteria, especially Bacillus cereus, showing 67.2% inhibition at 3% extract concentration.

Protocatechuic acid as an inhibitor of lipid oxidation in meat.

Lipid oxidation is the principal driver of meat and meat product deterioration during shelf life, causing the loss of fresh meat color, flavor, and aroma. Currently, synthetic antioxidants are used to prevent oxidation, but increasing consumer demand for natural ones leaves the industry with few alternatives. In this study, protocatechuic acid (PCA), known to have high antioxidant activity, was evaluated as a potential inhibitor of meat lipid oxidation. For this purpose, the antioxidant capacity and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activity of PCA were evaluated in vitro, and a set of four experiments was conducted, treating minced meat with water (control), lactic acid (LA), rosmarinic acid (RA) and PCA, at different concentrations (1-12 mg mL-1), depending on the experiment. The potential antioxidant effect of PCA when applied to meat cubes was also evaluated, as well as the potential of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a delivery system for PCA. The in vitro results showed that PCA is a potent antioxidant and an effective LOX inhibitor at 1 mg mL-1. PCA effect on meat lipid oxidation prevention was dose-dependent, and at 2 mg mL-1, it inhibited color change by 50% and lipid peroxidation by up to 70% when compared to water-treated samples, performing better than RA at 0.25 mg mL-1. These results suggest that PCA is a promising molecule to the meat industry as a natural preservative for meat and meat products directly or in a formulation.

The Potential of Acorn Extract Treatment on PUFAs Oxidative Stability: A Case Study on Fish Cooking Wastewater.

Fish byproducts are valuable sources of Ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Their valorization potentially alleviates pressure on this sector. This study uses a circular economy approach to investigate the oil fraction from sardine cooking wastewater (SCW). Analysis of its fatty acid (FA) profile revealed promising PUFA levels. However, PUFAs are highly susceptible to oxidation, prompting the exploration of effective and natural strategies to replace synthetic antioxidants and mitigate their associated risks and concerns. An antioxidant extract from acorn shells was developed and evaluated for its efficacy in preventing oxidative degradation. The extract exhibited significant levels of total phenolic compounds (TPC: 49.94 and 22.99 mg TAE or GAE/g DW) and antioxidant activities (ABTS: 72.46; ORAC: 59.60; DPPH: 248.24 mg TE/g DW), with tannins comprising a significant portion of phenolics (20.61 mg TAE/g DW). LC-ESI-UHR-QqTOF-MS identified ellagic acid, epicatechin, procyanidin B2 and azelaic acid as the predominant phenolic compounds. The extract demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce the peroxide index and inhibit PUFA oxidation, including linoleic acid (LA), eicosapentaenoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). This approach holds promise for developing stable, functional ingredients rich in PUFAs. Future research will focus on refining oil extraction procedures and conducting stability tests towards the development of specific applications.

Silica Microparticles from Sugarcane By-Products as an Encapsulation System for Retinoids Aimed at Topical Sustained Release.

The encapsulation of retinol within silica microparticles has emerged as a promising opportunity in the realm of cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, driven by the need to reinforce the photoprotection and oxidation stability of retinol. This work examines the process of encapsulating retinol into silica microparticles. The association efficiency, microparticle size, molecular structure, morphology, oxidation, and release profile, as well as biocompatibility and skin sensitization, were evaluated. Results showed that 0.03% of retinol and 9% of emulsifier leads to an association efficiency higher than 99% and a particle size with an average of 5.2 µm. FTIR results indicate that there is an association of retinol with the silica microparticles, and some may be on the surface. Microscopy indicates that when association happens, there is less aggregation of the particles. Oxidation occurs in two different phases, the first related to the retinol on the surface and the second to the associated retinol. In addition, a burst release of up to 3 h (30% free retinol, 17% associated retinol) was observed, as well as a sustained release of 44% of retinol up to 24 h. Encapsulation allowed an increase in the minimal skin cytotoxic concentrations of retinol from 0.04 µg/mL to 1.25 mg/mL without skin sensitization. Overall, retinol is protected when associated with silica microparticles, being safe to use in cosmetics and dermatology.

Use of Various Sugarcane Byproducts to Produce Lipid Extracts with Bioactive Properties: Physicochemical and Biological Characterization.

Sugarcane, a globally cultivated crop constituting nearly 80% of total sugar production, yields residues from harvesting and sugar production known for their renewable bioactive compounds with health-promoting properties. Despite previous studies, the intricate interplay of extracts from diverse sugarcane byproducts and their biological attributes remains underexplored. This study focused on extracting the lipid fraction from a blend of selected sugarcane byproducts (straw, bagasse, and filter cake) using ethanol. The resulting extract underwent comprehensive characterization, including physicochemical analysis (FT-IR, DSC, particle size distribution, and color) and chemical composition assessment (GC-MS). The biological properties were evaluated through antihypertensive (ACE), anticholesterolemic (HMG-CoA reductase), and antidiabetic (alpha-glucosidase and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV) assays, alongside in vitro biocompatibility assessments in Caco-2 and Hep G2 cells. The phytochemicals identified, such as ß-sitosterol and 1-octacosanol, likely contribute to the extract's antidiabetic, anticholesterolemic, and antihypertensive potential, given their association with various beneficial bioactivities. The extract exhibited substantial antidiabetic effects, inhibiting α-glucosidase (5-60%) and DPP-IV activity (25-100%), anticholesterolemic potential with HMG-CoA reductase inhibition (11.4-63.2%), and antihypertensive properties through ACE inhibition (24.0-27.3%). These findings lay the groundwork for incorporating these ingredients into the development of food supplements or nutraceuticals, offering potential for preventing and managing metabolic syndrome-associated conditions.

Consumption of edible insects and insect-based foods: A systematic review of sensory properties and evoked emotional response.

Low consumer acceptance of edible insects and insect-based products is one of the main barriers to the successful implementation of entomophagy in Western countries. This rejection is mainly caused by consumers' negative emotional responses, psychological/personality traits, and attitudes toward food choices. However, as the role of intrinsic product characteristics on such food choices has not been adequately studied, a systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA method, to analyze studies that have assessed hedonic evaluations, sensory profiling, or emotional responses to edible insects or insect-based products. The majority of studies performed with whole insects and insect flour highlight that insect-based products are more negatively evaluated than control products. Although the sensory properties of insects are affected by species and processing conditions, they are generally negative across sensory dimensions. In particular, insects and insect-based products are generally associated with odor and flavor/taste attributes that are related to old/spoiled food. These negative attributes can be linked to the fat fraction of edible insects, with insect oils being very negatively evaluated by consumers. On the other hand, defatted fractions and deodorized oils are not associated with these negative attributes, further supporting the hypothesis that the fat fraction is responsible for the negative odor and flavor/taste attributes. However, there is still a lack of studies assessing the sensory profile of edible insects and insect-based products, as well as consumers' emotional responses to their consumption. Future studies should focus on the effects of different processing conditions, products incorporating insect fractions (namely protein concentrates/isolates and defatted fractions), and evaluation by target consumer groups.

Recent Highlights in Sustainable Bio-Based Edible Films and Coatings for Fruit and Vegetable Applications.

The present review paper focuses on recent developments in edible films and coatings made of base compounds from biological sources, namely plants, animals, algae, and microorganisms. These sources include by-products, residues, and wastes from agro-food industries and sea products that contribute to sustainability concerns. Chitosan, derived from animal biological sources, such as crustacean exoskeletons, has been the most studied base compound over the past three years. Polysaccharides typically constitute no more than 3-5% of the film/coating base solution, with some exceptions, like Arabic gum. Proteins and lipids may be present in higher concentrations, such as zein and beeswax. This review also discusses the enrichment of these bio-based films and coatings with various functional and/or bioactive compounds to confer or enhance their functionalities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic properties, as well as physical properties. Whenever possible, a comparative analysis among different formulations was performed. The results of the applications of these edible films and coatings to fruit and vegetable products are also described, including shelf life extension, inhibition of microbial growth, and prevention of oxidation. This review also explores novel types of packaging, such as active and intelligent packaging. The potential health benefits of edible films and coatings, as well as the biodegradability of films, are also discussed. Finally, this review addresses recent innovations in the edible films and coatings industry, including the use of nanotechnologies, aerogels, and probiotics, and provides future perspectives and the challenges that the sector is facing.

Vaginal prevention of Candida albicans: synergistic effect of lactobacilli and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS).

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) affects approximately 30-50% of women at least once during their lifetime, causing uncomfortable symptoms and limitations in their daily quality of life. Antifungal therapy is not very effective, does not prevent recurrencies and usually causes side effects. Therefore, alternative therapies are urgently needed. The goal of this work was to investigate the potential benefits of using mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) extracts together with a Lactobacillus sp. pool, composed by the most significant species present in the vaginal environment, to prevent infections by Candida albicans. Microbial growth of isolated strains of the main vaginal lactobacilli and Candida strains was assessed in the presence of MOS, to screen their impact upon growth. A pool of the lactobacilli was then tested against C. albicans in competition and prophylaxis studies; bacterial and yeast cell numbers were quantified in specific time points, and the above-mentioned studies were assessed in simulated vaginal fluid (SVF). Finally, adhesion to vaginal epithelial cells (HeLa) was also evaluated, once again resorting to simultaneous exposure (competition) or prophylaxis assays, aiming to measure the effect of MOS presence in pathogen adherence. Results demonstrated that MOS extracts have potential to prevent vaginal candidiasis in synergy with vaginal lactobacilli, with improved results than those obtained when using lactobacilli alone. KEY POINTS: Potential benefits of MOS extracts with vaginal lactobacilli to prevent C. albicans infections. MOS impacts on growth of vaginal lactobacilli pool and C. albicans in SVF. MOS extracts in synergy with L. crispatus inhibit C. albicans adhesion in HeLa cells.

Enzymatic hydrolysis allows an integral valorization of Nannochloropsis oceanica resulting in the production of bioactive peptide extracts and an eicosapentaenoic acid enriched fraction.

Nannochloropsis oceanica is a microalga with relevant protein content, making it a potential source of bioactive peptides. Furthermore, it is also rich in fatty acids, with a special focus on eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid mainly obtained from marine animal sources, with high importance for human health. N. oceanica has a rigid cell wall constraining protein extraction, thus hydrolyzing it may help increase its components' extractability. Therefore, a Box-Behnken experimental design was carried out to optimize the hydrolysis. The hydrolysate A showed 67% ± 0.7% of protein, antioxidant activity of 1166 ± 63.7 µmol TE g-1 of protein and an ACE inhibition with an IC50 of 379 µg protein mL-1 . The hydrolysate B showed 60% ± 1.8% of protein, antioxidant activity of 775 ± 13.0 µmol TE g-1 of protein and an ACE inhibition with an IC50 of 239 µg protein mL-1 . The by-product showed higher yields of total fatty acids when compared to "raw" microalgae, being 5.22% and 1%, respectively. The sustainable developed methodology led to the production of one fraction rich in bioactive peptides and another with interesting EPA content, both with value-added properties with potential to be commercialized as ingredients for different industrial applications, such as functional food, supplements, or cosmetic formulations.

Biological Potential and Bioaccessibility of Encapsulated Curcumin into Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals.

Curcumin is a natural phenolic compound with important biological functions. Despite its demonstrated efficacy in vitro, curcumin biological activities in vivo are dependent on its bioaccessibility and bioavailability, which have been highlighted as a crucial challenge. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide-modified cellulose nanocrystals (CNC-CTAB) have been shown to be effective in curcumin encapsulation, as they have the potential to enhance biological outcomes. This study evaluated the biological effects of curcumin encapsulated within CNC-CTAB structures, namely its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as well as the release profile under digestion conditions and intestinal permeability. Encapsulated curcumin demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively reducing reactive oxygen species and cytokine production by intestinal cells. The delivery system exhibited antimicrobial properties against Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, further suggesting its potential in mitigating intestinal inflammation. The system showed the ability to protect curcumin from degradation and facilitate its interaction with the intestinal epithelium, highlighting the potential of CNC-CTAB as carrier to enhance curcumin intestinal biological functions.

Sugarcane Light-Colored Lignin: A Renewable Resource for Sustainable Beauty.

Lignin has emerged as a promising eco-friendly multifunctional ingredient for cosmetic applications, due to its ability to protect against ultraviolet radiation and its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. However, its typical dark color and low water solubility limit its application in cosmetics. This study presents a simple process for obtaining light-colored lignin (LCLig) from sugarcane bagasse (SCB) alkaline black liquor, involving an oxidation treatment with hydrogen peroxide, followed by precipitation with sulfuric acid. The physico-chemical characterization, antioxidant and emulsifying potential of LCLig, and determination of its safety and stability in an oil-in-water emulsion were performed. A high-purity lignin (81.6%) with improved water solubility was obtained, as a result of the balance between the total aromatic phenolic units and the carboxylic acids. In addition, the antioxidant and emulsifying capacities of the obtained LCLig were demonstrated. The color reduction treatment did not compromise the safety of lignin for topical cosmetic applications. The emulsion was stable in terms of organoleptic properties (color, pH, and viscosity) and antioxidant activity over 3 months at 4, 25, and 40 °C.

Assessment of collagen content in fish skin - development of a flow analysis method for hydroxyproline determination.

This work describes the development of a flow injection method to determine hydroxyproline (HYP), one of collagen's most abundant amino acids. Collagen is a protein with several applications and high nutritional value. Evaluating the feasibility of using collagen from fish skin over its mammalian source is essential. The determination of HYP requires the pre-treatment and hydrolysis of the fish skin to break down collagen into its amino acids, and the HYP value quantified relates to the collagen content. The determination was based on the HYP oxidation with permanganate in an alkaline medium and the consequent decrease of colour intensity registered. Under optimal conditions, the developed method enables the determination of the HYP within the dynamic range of 23.8 to 500 mg L-1, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 2.6 mg L-1 and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 23.8 mg L-1. Different samples were processed, and the digests were analysed by the proposed method and with the conventional procedure with good correlation (relative error < 7%). Moreover, the analyte quantification is performed faster, simpler, and more accurately, with less toxic solutions. The reproducibility of the developed method was also evaluated by calculating the relative standard deviation of the calibration curve slope (RSD < 1%).

Impaired hepatic lipid metabolism and biomarkers in fatty liver disease.

The liver plays a crucial role in lipid metabolism and metabolic homeostasis. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and currently has no specific treatments. Lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, exercise, and dietary changes are recommended to reduce the risk factors associated with the disease. Oxidized cholesterol products, some phospholipids and diacylglycerols can activate inflammatory pathways and contribute to the progression to Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Monitoring the whole plasma and liver lipidome may provide insights into the onset, development, and prevention of inflammatory-related diseases. As Lipid Droplets (LDs) represent augmented lipid reservoirs in NAFLD, new developments are being made on different therapies focused on LD associated proteins modulation (seipin, PLIN-2), as well as LD lipophagy mechanisms. The information covered in this publication provides an overview of the available research on lipid biomarkers linked to NAFLD and can be used to guide the development of future pharmacological therapies.

Effect of Mannan Oligosaccharides Extracts in Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Adhesion in Human Bladder Cells.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common public health problem, mainly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Patients with chronic UTIs are usually treated with long-acting prophylactic antibiotics, which promotes the development of antibiotic-resistant UPEC strains and may complicate their long-term management. D-mannose and extracts rich in D-mannose such as mannan oligosaccharides (MOS; D-mannose oligomers) are promising alternatives to antibiotic prophylaxis due to their ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion to urothelial cells and, therefore, infection. This highlights the therapeutic potential and commercial value of using them as health supplements. Studies on the effect of MOS in UTIs are, however, scarce. Aiming to evaluate the potential benefits of using MOS extracts in UTIs prophylaxis, their ability to inhibit the adhesion of UPEC to urothelial cells and its mechanism of action were assessed. Additionally, the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory marker interleukin 6 (IL-6) were also evaluated. After characterizing their cytotoxic profiles, the preliminary results indicated that MOS extracts have potential to be used for the handling of UTIs and demonstrated that the mechanism through which they inhibit bacterial adhesion is through the competitive inhibition of FimH adhesins through the action of mannose, validated by a bacterial growth impact assessment.

Novel Lipids to Regulate Obesity and Brain Function: Comparing Available Evidence and Insights from QSAR In Silico Models.

Lipid molecules, such as policosanol, ergosterol, sphingomyelin, omega 3 rich phosphatidylcholine, α-tocopherol, and sodium butyrate, have emerged as novel additions to the portfolio of bioactive lipids. In this state-of-the-art review, we discuss these lipids, and their activity against obesity and mental or neurological disorders, with a focus on their proposed cellular targets and the ways in which they produce their beneficial effects. Furthermore, this available information is compared with that provided by in silico Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) models in order to understand the usefulness of these tools for the discovery of new bioactive compounds. Accordingly, it was possible to highlight how these lipids interact with various cellular targets related to the molecule transportation and absorption (e.g., α-tocopherol transfer protein for α-Tocopherol, ATP-binding cassette ABC transporters or Apolipoprotein E for sphingomyelins and phospholipids) or other processes, such as the regulation of gene expression (involving Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Proteins for ergosterol or Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in the case of policosanol) and inflammation (the regulation of interleukins by sodium butyrate). When comparing the literature with in silico Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models, it was observed that although they are useful for selecting bioactive molecules when compared in batch, the information they provide does not coincide when assessed individually. Our review highlights the importance of considering a broad range of lipids as potential bioactives and the need for accurate prediction of ADMET parameters in the discovery of new biomolecules. The information presented here provides a useful resource for researchers interested in developing new strategies for the treatment of obesity and mental or neurological disorders.

Assessment of drying conditions for storage of a yeast-based decolorization solution for application in textile industrial wastewater treatment plants.

The textile industry produces harmful effluents that are discharged into the environment, damaging the aquatic and other ecosystems. A yeast-based solution for decolorization of textile industrial wastewater was produced and evaluated. Three yeast strains, Candida parapsilosis (HOMOGS20B), Yarrowia lipolytica (HOMOGST27AB) and Candida pseudoglaebosa (LIIIS36B), isolated from a textile wastewater treatment plant and previously selected for their dye decolorization capacity, were freeze-dried. Additionally, Yarrowia lipolytica (HOMOGST27AB) was also spray-dried. Skim milk powder and maltodextrin were used as cell protectors, and the freeze-dried products were stored at cold (4 °C) and room temperature for 210 days. The viability of the yeast cells and their decolorization capacity over time were assessed. Dried yeast cells maintained their viability, and decolorization capacity for at least 90 days of storage after spray- and freeze-drying with both cell-protecting agents. The dried yeast-based solution for decolorizing textile industrial wastewater combines stability, efficiency, and convenience of production for application in real industrial facilities.

Sugarcane Straw as a Source of Arabinoxylans: Optimization and Economic Viability of a Two-Step Alkaline Extraction.

Sugarcane processing produces a significant amount of byproducts in the form of straw and bagasse, which are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This work aims to provide a valorization approach to sugarcane straw by optimizing a two-step alkaline extraction of arabinoxylans by a response surface methodology to evaluate a potential industrial-scale production. Sugarcane straws were delignified using an alkaline-sulfite pretreatment, followed by alkaline extraction and precipitation of arabinoxylan, a two-step process optimized using a response surface methodology. A KOH concentration of (2.93-17.1%) and temperature (18.8-61.2 °C) were chosen as independent variables, and the arabinoxylan yield (%) as a response variable. The model application shows that KOH concentration, temperature, and the interaction between both independent variables are significant in extracting arabinoxylans from straw. The best-performing condition was further characterized by FTIR, DSC, and chemical and molecular weight evaluation. The straws arabinoxylans presented high purities levels, ca. 69.93%, and an average molecular weight of 231 kDa. The overall estimated production cost of arabinoxylan from straw was 0.239 €/g arabinoxylan. This work demonstrates a two-step alkaline extraction of the arabinoxylans method, as well as their chemical characterization and economic viability analysis, that can be used as a model for industrial scale-up production.

Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Tomato Flours Obtained after Conventional and Ohmic Heating Extraction and Its Prebiotic Properties.

Several studies have supported the positive functional health effects of both prebiotics and probiotics on gut microbiota. Among these, the selective growth of beneficial bacteria due to the use of prebiotics and bioactive compounds as an energy and carbon source is critical to promote the development of healthy microbiota within the human gut. The present work aimed to assess the fermentability of tomato flour obtained after ohmic (SFOH) and conventional (SFCONV) extraction of phenolic compounds and carotenoids as well as their potential impact upon specific microbiota groups. To accomplish this, the attained bagasse flour was submitted to an in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion before its potential fermentability and impact upon gut microbiota (using an in vitro fecal fermentation model). Different impacts on the probiotic strains studied were observed for SFCONV promoting the B. animalis growth, while SFOH promoted the B. longum, probably based on the different carbohydrate profiles of the flours. Overall, the flours used were capable of functioning as a direct substrate to support potential prebiotic growth for Bifidus longum. The fecal fermentation model results showed the highest Bacteroidetes growth with SFOH and the highest values of Bacteroides with SFCONV. A correlation between microorganisms' growth and short-chain fatty acids was also found. This by-product seems to promote beneficial effects on microbiota flora and could be a potential prebiotic ingredient, although more extensive in vivo trials would be necessary to confirm this.

Carotenoids Diet: Digestion, Gut Microbiota Modulation, and Inflammatory Diseases.

Several epidemiologic studies have found that consuming fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of getting a variety of chronic illnesses, including several types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), and bowel diseases. Although there is still debate over the bioactive components, various secondary plant metabolites have been linked to these positive health benefits. Many of these features have recently been connected to carotenoids and their metabolites' effects on intracellular signalling cascades, which influence gene expression and protein translation. Carotenoids are the most prevalent lipid-soluble phytochemicals in the human diet, are found in micromolar amounts in human serum, and are very susceptible to multiple oxidation and isomerisation reactions. The gastrointestinal delivery system, digestion processes, stability, and functionality of carotenoids, as well as their impact on the gut microbiota and how carotenoids may be effective modulators of oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways, are still lacking research advances. Although several pathways involved in carotenoids' bioactivity have been identified, future studies should focus on the carotenoids' relationships, related metabolites, and their effects on transcription factors and metabolism.

Biogenic silica microparticles as a new and sustainable cosmetic ingredient: Assessment of performance and quality parameters.

The demand for sustainable products is increasing worldwide and cosmetic industry is not an exception. Besides exploring nature as source of new ingredients, their production must be sustainable and should use environmentally friendly processes. In this work, biogenic silica microparticles were synthesized from sugarcane ash, and their potential application as cosmetic and skincare ingredient was evaluated. For such application, several properties were validated, including cytotoxicity in skin keratinocytes, potential sensitization effect on skin peptides, stimulation of pro-collagen I alpha 1, wound healing capacity, as well as the ingredient stability along a storage period. Biogenic silica showed to be non-cytotoxic on skin keratinocytes, at concentrations up to 5 wt%, and non-skin sensitizer. A positive effect on the stimulation of pro-collagen I alpha 1 suggests a potential anti-ageing activity, while the migration of fibroblasts to a wounded area suggests a regenerative capacity. Under an accelerated stability study, biogenic silica showed an increase on the loss on drying, but no changes were observed on its functional properties, mainly oil absorption capacity, as well the microbiological quality, which was maintained. Overall, novel biogenic silica microparticles produced from a sustainable source are safe, stable over time and have potential to be used as a cosmetic and skincare ingredient.