Development of silanized bacterial cellulose aerogels for the incorporation of natural oils with healing properties: Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis), bourbon geranium (Pelargonium X ssp.) essential oils and buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) vegetable oil.

Bacterial cellulose (BC) represents a promising biomaterial, due to its unique and versatile properties. We report, herein, on purposely-designed structural modifications of BC that enhance its application as a wound dressing material. Chemical modification of the functional groups of BC was performed initially to introduce a hydrophobic/oleophilic character to its surface. Specifically, silanization was carried out in an aqueous medium using methyltrimethoxisilane (MTMS) as the silanizing agent, and aerogels were subsequently prepared by freeze-drying. The BC-MTMS aerogel obtained displayed a highly porous (99 %) and lightweight structure with an oil absorption capacity of up to 52 times its dry weight. The XRD pattern indicated that the characteristic crystallographic planes of the native BC were maintained after the silanization process. Thermal analysis showed that the thermal stability of the BC-MTMS aerogel increased, as compared to the pure BC aerogel (pBC). Moreover, the BC-MTMS aerogel was not cytotoxic to fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In the second step of the study, the incorporation of natural oils into the aerogel's matrix was found to endow antimicrobial and/or healing properties to BC-MTMS. Bourbon geranium (Pelargonium X ssp.) essential oil (GEO) was the only oil that exhibited antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms, whereas buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) vegetable oil (BVO) was non-cytotoxic to the cells. This study demonstrates that the characteristics of the BC structure can be modified, while preserving its intrinsic features, offering new possibilities for the development of BC-derived materials for specific applications in the biomedical field.

Dietary Supplements and the Skin: Focus on Photoprotection and Antioxidant Activity-A Review.

Skin health is not only significantly affected by ageing, but also by other lifestyle-related factors, such as sun exposure, exercise and eating habits, smoking or alcohol intake. It is known that the cutaneous tissue can exhibit visible signs of senescence, in the form of, for example, dull complexion, loss of firmness, or changes in pigmentation. Consumers attempt to improve skin health and appearance not only by cosmetic products, but also with the consumption of food supplements. Recently, there has been an increase in the amount of food supplements with claims that are related to skin and hair health. Nevertheless, the literature is still scarce in evidence of the efficacy of this type of products. Considering this scenario, we aim in this review to assemble studies and methodologies that are directed at the substantiation of the cutaneous health claims of food supplements. For example, we reviewed those that were indicative of antioxidant properties, improvement in pigmentation disorders, increased hydration or protection against the damages caused by ultraviolet radiation.

An Overview on Topical Administration of Carotenoids and Coenzyme Q10 Loaded in Lipid Nanoparticles.

Carotenoids and coenzyme Q10 are naturally occurring antioxidant compounds that are also found in human skin. These bioactive compounds have been the focus of considerable research due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective properties. In this review, the current state of the art in the encapsulation of carotenoids and coenzyme Q10 in lipid nanoparticles to improve their bioavailability, chemical stability, and skin absorption is discussed. Additionally, the main findings are highlighted on the cytotoxic and photoprotective effects of these systems in the skin.