Sapientia
Repositório Científico da UAlg
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The benefits of using exosomes in professional cosmetic products: from theory to practice
Publication . Costa, Gabrielle; Silva, Elisa; Silva, Fátima; Casas, Ana; Bastos, Bernardo; Oliveira, Maria Beatriz P. P.; Nóbrega, Clévio; Almeida, Hugo
The integration of exosomes into professional cosmetics marks a significant paradigm shift from traditional passive formulations to advanced regenerative esthetics. Rather than being defined solely by their nanometric dimensions or classical association with endosomal biogenesis, these vesicles function as highly targeted intercellular messengers capable of delivering complex bioactive payloads to modulate tissue repair and collagen synthesis. While robust preclinical and clinical trials validate their remarkable potential in skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and hyperpigmentation management, significant translational barriers remain. A critical analysis of the current literature reveals that successful clinical outcomes frequently rely on physical penetration enhancers, such as microneedling or fractional lasers, making it challenging to isolate the autonomous efficacy of topical vesicles from the trauma-induced regenerative response. Furthermore, commercial viability is dictated by stringent regulatory frameworks. In the European Union, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 strictly prohibits human-derived biologicals, while the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aggressively monitors the unsubstantiated marketing of cellular therapies. To navigate these biosafety and legal constraints, the aesthetic industry is increasingly pivoting toward non-human and legally compliant alternatives. Consequently, Plant-Derived Extracellular Vesicles (PDEVs), microbiome-derived exosomes (such as those obtained from bacterial fermentation), and bioengineered synthetic analogues have become the focal point of market innovation. A practical evaluation of the MCCM Medical Cosmetics portfolio illustrates this strategic shift, demonstrating the clinical versatility of botanical sources. To secure the long-term credibility of exosome technology, the industry must overcome current manufacturing heterogeneity by aligning with international standardization frameworks, such as the MISEV2023 guidelines, thereby ensuring reliable delivery systems, batch-to-batch consistency, and uncompromised consumer safety. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the biological mechanisms, clinical efficacy, and translational challenges associated with exosome-based cosmetics.
Bacterial lipopeptides from bacillus: natural biostructuring agents for improving texture and stability in tomato-based functional foods
Publication . Gharsallah, Houda; Ngameni Tchonkouang, Rose Daphnee; Mabrouk, Aymen Ben; Jaoued, Najeh; Tas, Ozan; Boufi, Sami; Vieira, Margarida; Oztop, Mecit Halil; Zarai, Zied
Introduction: Recent advances in functional food formulation have highlighted bacterial lipopeptides as natural biomolecules capable of replacing synthetic additives while enhancing the physicochemical properties of food systems. Their amphiphilic structure makes them promising candidates for improving texture, stability, and emulsification in complex matrices such as tomato-based products. Methods: In this study, lipopeptides produced by Bacillus strains were structurally characterized using 1 H-NMR and two-dimensional 1 H–1 H COSY spectroscopy to confirm their amphiphilic nature. Tomato-based formulations (juice and sauce) were enriched with lipopeptides at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/L. Rheological behavior was evaluated under steady-shear conditions to assess flow properties and time-dependent structural changes. Results: Spectroscopic analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic aliphatic fatty acid chains and peptide residues, validating the lipopeptidic structure. All formulations exhibited shear-thinning behavior; however, the addition of lipopeptides significantly influenced time-dependent rheological properties. Improved texture, viscoelasticity, and stability were observed, with optimal performance achieved at low-to-moderate concentrations (H6: 0.5–1 g/kg; S15: up to 2 g/kg). Higher concentrations led to partial network disruption and reduced system stability. Discussion: These findings demonstrate that bacterial lipopeptides act as effective natural bio-structuring agents in tomato-based products. Their ability to enhance microstructural integrity and emulsification without compromising stability at optimal concentrations highlights their potential as sustainable alternatives to synthetic additives in functional food development.
Impacts of ocean acidification on reproduction and early life development in marine teleost fish—a synthesis
Publication . Bridge, Rebecca J.; McClelland, Benjamin T.; Birchenough, Silvana; Stiasny, Martina H.
Ocean acidification (OA) remains a major and underexplored threat to marine fishes, particularly regarding reproductive physiology and early life stages (ELS). Although research over the past 15years has documented diverse OA effects, substantial knowledge gaps persist. Most studies focussed on a limited set of species from North America and Europe, leaving broad uncertainty across phylogenetic groups, geographic regions and multi-stressor conditions. In adult fish, especially females, elevated pCO2 can shift energy allocation to prioritise reproductive output at the expense of egg or clutch size. While adult and juvenile fish have well-developed acid–base balancing systems, embryos and larvae possess only rudimentary mechanisms, making them more vulnerable to OA. This article stresses the importance of understanding these physiological and mechanistic responses to predict the future of fish stocks and ecosystem health as OA intensifies due to ongoing CO2 emissions. Our results highlight that OA responses in fish are highly variable and often specific to life stage and species, with acute and sometimes stage-specific effects not fully documented. Lastly, our recommendations on targeted research and funding are necessary to address the remaining knowledge gaps, including broadening taxonomic and geographic sampling, exploring multi-stressor scenarios and improving understanding of the downstream effects of OA on fish reproduction and development. Maintaining robust fish populations is vital for food security, employment and ecosystem functioning, making continued investigation into OA's impacts a scientific and societal priority.
Host plant‐specific volatiles of Beauveria bassiana‐colonized plants initiate trophic plant–aphid–predator cascades
Publication . Cuenca‐Medina, María; Rodríguez Solana, Raquel; Moreno‐Rojas, José Manuel; Alcalá‐Herrera, Rafael; Quesada‐Moraga, Enrique; González‐Mas, Natalia
BACKGROUND: Entomopathogenic ascomycetes (EAs) have efficacy in insect pest control through direct contact and indirectly as plant endophytes. As endophytes, they lead indirectly to pest mortality, enhance plant resilience to stresses, promote plant growth and alter plant volatile emissions. These changes can influence plant interactions with beneficial fauna, such as predators, parasitoids and pollinators. However, variation in endophytic colonization across plant species and EA strains raises questions about cultivar-specific responses within the same crop species. Here we evaluated the impact of endophytic colonization by the EA Beauveria bassiana on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of three melon cultivars: ‘Galia’, ‘Futuro’ and ‘Rinconete’. RESULTS: Beauveria bassiana colonization rates ranged from 73% (Rinconete) to 85% (Galia) and were associated with melon crop-specific VOCs such as cis-3-hexenal and N,N-dimethyldodecanamine. The B. bassiana colonization also triggered cultivar-specific VOCs including allomones and synomones that play a key role in melon–insect pest interactions which are relevant to crop protection. These included cis-3-hexenol and ⊎-phellandrene in Galia, cinnamaldehyde and cinnamyl alcohol in Futuro, and styrene and acetophenone in Rinconete. Differences in VOCs were evaluated in a multitrophic system involving cv. Galia, the aphid Aphis gossypii and the predator Chrysoperla carnea. Olfactometer bioassays revealed a lacewing preference for B. bassiana and aphid-infested plants. Significant differences in emissions of lacewing attractant VOCs were recorded between B. bassiana-colonized plants and controls, independent of aphid infestation. CONCLUSION: These results reinforce the potential of endophytic B. bassiana-related VOCs to be managed within integrated melon protection and production strategies tailored to specific melon varieties.
Influence of shy and bold zebrafish personalities on colonization and olfactory responses in sertraline-contaminated environments
Publication . González, María Pilar; Salvatierra, David; Fatsini Fernández, Elvira; Hubbard, Peter; Araújo, Cristiano V. M.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as sertraline are used as antidepressants to treat mental disorders such as depression by blocking serotonin reuptake and thus maintaining high serotonin levels. Currently, increased consumption has led to detection of SSRIs in aquatic systems; however, information about their effects on exposed organisms is limited. This study investigated differences in the colonization response by zebrafish (Danio rerio) to sertralinecontaminated environments considering personality traits (shy and bold). Colonization was assessed in terms of success, efficiency, and inhabited time for each sertraline concentration. Fish were tested individually and in groups. In addition, whether these personality traits differed from each other in their olfactory sensitivity to different olfactory stimuli was studied, including sertraline, using the electro-olfactogram (EOG). Bold fish exposed in groups tended to colonize higher concentrations of sertraline than shy fish. These differences were not as significant when fish were exposed individually. Furthermore, analyses in the EOG detected that bold fish reacted between 1.3 and 2.8 times more to all stimuli studied. In contrast, sertraline was not detected by the olfactory system. Varied D. rerio colonization responses to sertralinecontaminated environments reveal specific personality-based vulnerabilities. These findings underscore the importance of integrating behavioral phenotypes into environmental risk assessments for pharmaceuticals.