Browsing by Author "Lopes, Graciliana"
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- Carotenoids from cyanobacteria modulate iNOS and inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators: Promising agents for the treatment of inflammatory conditionsPublication . Morone, Janaína; Vasconcelos, Vitor; Hentschke, Guilherme; Rosário Martins, Maria; Pinto, Eugénia; Lopes, GracilianaCyanobacteria are green multiproduct refineries of increasing interest for different industrial prospects. In this work, eleven cyanobacteria strains isolated from the Cape Verde archipelago were explored for their biotechnological applications in the field of inflammation. A biorefinery approach was employed to produce carotenoidtargeted extracts, further profiled by HPLC-PDA and explored for their ability to i) scavenge important physiological free radicals of oxygen (superoxide anion radical, O 2 •) and nitrogen (nitric oxide, • NO) involved in the inflammatory process ii) slow-down post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and iii) modulate the activity of inf lammatory cytokine-producing enzymes, in enzymatic and cell systems comprising RAW 264.7 cells. The studied strains turned out to be important carotenoid producers (70.47–186.71 μ g mg 1 dry extract), mainly represented by β-carotene and zeaxanthin. The targeted-extracts stood-out for their potential to slow-down the inflammatory process through a multitarget approach: scavenging • NOandO 2 •, reducing inflammatory cytokines production through lipoxygenase inhibition, and modulating the inducible nitric oxide synthase in LPSstimulated RAW 264.7 cells, with strains of the order Nodosilineales revealing to be worth of further biotechnological exploitation.
- Cosmetic application of cyanobacteria extracts with a sustainable vision to skincare: role in the antioxidant and antiaging processPublication . Morone, Janaína; Lopes, Graciliana; Morais, João; Neves, Jorge; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Martins, RosárioNature-based and sustainably sourced cosmetics have been dominating the area of skincare products worldwide. Due to their antioxidant and antiaging properties, compounds from cyanobacteria, such as carotenoids and phycobiliproteins, may replace synthetic ingredients in cosmetic formulations and may be used in products such as sunscreens, skincare creams, and makeup. In this study, we evaluated the potential of acetonic and aqueous extracts from cyanobacteria strains of the genera Cyanobium and Leptothoe and from strains within Synechococcales and Oscillatori ales orders, for use in cosmetics. Extractions were sequentially performed with acetone and water. Extracts were firstly analyzed for their toxicity to keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and endothelial cells (HaCAT, 3T3L1 and hCMEC/D3, respectively). The non-cytotoxic extracts were characterized in terms of total proteins, carotenoids, chlorophyll, phenols, phycobiliproteins, and analyzed for their antioxidant potential against the superoxide anion radical (O2 •−), and for their ability to inhibit key enzymes associated with the skin aging process. Aqueous extracts were richer in total proteins and phycobiliproteins. The aqueous extracts of Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181150 showed the highest value for total proteins (760.81 and 695.25 µg BSA mL−1 dry extract, respectively) and the best values regarding O2 •− scavenging (IC50 = 63.24 and 112.18 µg mL−1 dry extract, respectively) with a significant negative correlation ob served (p < 0.01). Moreover, aqueous extracts of Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181150 and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 inhibited hyaluronidase, (IC50 of 483.86 and 645.06 µg mL−1 dry extract, respectively), with a significant negative correlation with total proteins (p < 0.05), pointing out the contribution of these compounds to the biological activities observed. Acetonic extracts were richer in carotenoids and phenols. Zeaxanthin and β-carotene were pre dominant among all strains, being present in higher amount in Cyanobium sp. LEGE 07175 (53.08 µg mg−1 ) and Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181156 (47.89 µg mg−1 ), respectively. The same strains also showed the highest values for collagenase inhibition at 750 µg mL−1 dry extract (32.88 and 36.61%, respectively). Furthermore, Leptothoe sp. LEGE 181156 exhibited the lowest IC50 value for tyrosinase inhibition (465.92 µg mL−1 dry extract) and Synechococcales cyanobacterium LEGE 181157 presented the best values for elastase inhibition (IC50 of 380.50 and IC25 of 51.43 µg mL−1 dry extract). In general, cyanobacteria extracts demonstrated potential for being used for antiaging purposes, with aqueous extracts being more efficient at free radicals scavenging and acetonic ones at avoiding degradation of dermal matrix components.
- Cyanobacteria and microalgae bioactive compounds in skin-ageing: potential to restore extracellular matrix filling and overcome hyperpigmentationPublication . Favas, Rita; Morone, Janaina; Martins, Rosário; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Lopes, GracilianaAs the largest organ in human body, skin acts as a physicochemical barrier, offering protection against harmful environmental stressors, such as chemicals, pathogens, temperature and radiation. Nonetheless, skins prominence goes further, with a significant psychosocial role in an increasingly ageing population. Prompted by consumers’ concern regarding skincare, cosmetic industry has been developing new formulas capable of lessening the most visible signs of ageing, including reduction in skin density and elasticity, wrinkling and hyperpigmentation. Allied to skincare is the rising importance set on natural products, sustainably obtained from less environmental impacting methods. Cyanobacteria and microalgae are adding importance in this field, given their ability to biosynthesize secondary metabolites with anti-ageing potential. In this review, we present an overview on the potential of cyanobacteria and microalgae compounds to overcome skin-ageing, essentially by exploring their effects on the metalloproteinases collagenase, elastase, gelatinase and hyaluronidase, and in other enzymes involved in the pigmentation process.
- Cyanobacteria in cosmetics: a natural alternative for anti-aging ingredientsPublication . Morone, Janaína; Lopes, Graciliana; Oliveira, Beatriz; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Martins, RosarioBeing exposed to endogenous and exogenous stressors, and being the body’s external defense line, skin protection is of pivotal importance, in order to maintain morphological and physiologic integrity and health. Fostering by individual psychological comfort, esthetic performance, and young appearance, along with motivation for natural products with less side effects and sustainable production, consumer’s demands drive the cosmetic industry into the relentless pursuit for innovation. In this context, cyanobacteria enforce as a promising source of ingredients with cosmetic potential. With the ability to withstand adverse conditions for survival, the adaptation to extreme environments is reflected in the production of compounds with moisturizing, photoprotective, antioxidant, and whitening potential, all attributes required in cosmetics, namely in anti-aging products. In this chapter, we will focus on the interconnection between cyanobacteria and skin, by presenting the main applications of these organisms in skincare products.
- Cyanobacteria secondary metabolites as biotechnological ingredients in natural anti-aging cosmetics: potential to overcome hyperpigmentation, loss of skin density and UV radiation-deleterious effectsPublication . Favas, Rita; Morone, Janaína; Martins, Rosário; Vasconcelos, Vitor; Lopes, GracilianaThe loss of density and elasticity, the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation are among the first noticeable signs of skin aging. Beyond UV radiation and oxidative stress, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) assume a preponderant role in the process, since their deregulation results in the degradation of most extracellular matrix components. In this survey, four cyanobacteria strains were explored for their capacity to produce secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential for use in anti-aging formulations. Leptolyngbya boryana LEGE 15486 and Cephalothrix lacustris LEGE 15493 from freshwater ecosystems, and Leptolyngbya cf. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 and Nodosilinea nodulosa LEGE 06104 from marine habitats were sequentially extracted with acetone and water, and extracts were analyzed for their toxicity in cell lines with key roles in the skin context (HaCAT, 3T3L1, and hCMEC). The non-toxic extracts were chemically characterized in terms of proteins, carotenoids, phenols, and chlorophyll a, and their anti-aging potential was explored through their ability to scavenge the physiological free radical superoxide anion radical (O2•−), to reduce the activity of the MMPs elastase and hyaluronidase, to inhibit tyrosinase and thus avoid melanin production, and to block UV-B radiation (sun protection factor, SPF). Leptolyngbya species stood out for anti-aging purposes: L. boryana LEGE 15486 presented a remarkable SPF of 19 (at 200 µg/mL), being among the best species regarding O2•− scavenging, (IC50 = 99.50 µg/mL) and also being able to inhibit tyrosinase (IC25 = 784 µg/mL), proving to be promising against UV-induced skin-aging; L. ectocarpi LEGE 11479 was more efficient in inhibiting MMPs (hyaluronidase, IC50 = 863 µg/mL; elastase, IC50 = 391 µg/mL), thus being the choice to retard dermal density loss. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the data allowed the grouping of extracts into three groups, according to their chemical composition; the correlation of carotenoids and chlorophyll a with MMPs activity (p < 0.01), O2•− scavenging with phenolic compounds (p < 0.01), and phycocyanin and allophycocyanin with SPF, pointing to these compounds in particular as responsible for UV-B blockage. This original survey explores, for the first time, the biotechnological potential of these cyanobacteria strains in the field of skin aging, demonstrating the promising, innovative, and multifactorial nature of these microorganisms.
- Exploitation of filamentous and picoplanktonic cyanobacteria for cosmetic applications: potential to improve skin structure and preserve dermal matrix componentsPublication . Morone, Janaína; Lopes, Graciliana; Preto, Marco; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Martins, RosárioThe use of natural products in skin care formulations gained interest as a concern formodern societies. The undesirable side effects of synthetic compounds, as well as the associatedenvironmental hazards, have driven investigation on photosynthetic organisms as sustainable sourcesof effective and environmentally friendly ingredients. The use of natural extracts in cosmetics hasbeen highlighted and, along with plants and algae, cyanobacteria have come into focus. Due totheir low culture demands, high grow rates and ability to produce a wide variability of bioactivemetabolites, cyanobacteria emerged as an economic and sustainable base for the cosmetic industry.In this study, we evaluated the potential of ethanol extracts of picocyanobacteria strains of the generaCyanobiumandSynechocystis and filamentous strains of the generaNodosilinea,PhormidiumandTychonemafor skin applications, with focus in the field of anti-aging. The extracts were analyzedfor their pigment profile, phenolic content, antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity against keratinocytes(HaCat), fibroblasts (3T3L1), endothelial cells (hCMEC/D3) and capacity to inhibit hyaluronidase(HAase). The total carotenoid content ranged from 118.69 to 383.89μg g−1of dry biomass, and the totalphenolic content from 1.07 to 2.45 mg GAE g−1. Identified carotenoids consisted of zeaxanthin, lutein,canthaxanthin, echinenone andβ-carotene, with zeaxanthin and lutein being the most representative(49.82 and 79.08μg g−1, respectively). The highest antioxidant potential was found forPhormidiumsp.LEGE 05292 andTychonemasp. LEGE 07196 for superoxide anion radical (O2•−) scavenging (IC50of822.70 and 924μg mL−1, respectively). Low or no cytotoxicity were registered. Regarding HAaseinhibition,Tychonemasp. LEGE 07196 andCyanobiumsp. LEGE 07175 showed the best IC50(182.74and 208.36μg mL−1, respectively). In addition, an increase in fibroblast proliferation was registeredwith these same strains. From this work, the ethanol extracts of the speciesTychonemasp. andCyanobiumsp. are particularly interesting for their potential application in anti-aging formulations,once they stimulated fibroblast proliferation and inhibit hyaluronic acid digestion.
- Mineral profle determination by ICP‑MS and physicochemical evaluation of cultivated and wild Algerian Opuntia speciesPublication . Boudjouan, Fares; Zeghbib, Walid; Lopes, Graciliana; Pinto, Edgar; Almeida, Agostinho; Vasconcelos, VítorOpuntia is a well-known plant for its folkloric use and nutritional composition. This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, as well as the mineral composition realized by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for cultivated and wild Algerian Opuntia species. The results showed a signifcant diference in length, diameter, and weight between both Opuntia fruits. The highest pH, brix°, and total sugar content were found in the pulp of cultivated fruit compared to the wild one. Moisture was found to be higher in pulp of both species with more than 90% compared to their seeds (33%); however, ashes content was more determined in seeds with 1.04%. Moreover, high protein content was found in wild Opuntia parts (more than 200 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/100 g dry matter), which also presented higher ascorbic acid and betalain contents, particularly in the pulp with 211.45 mg EAA/100 g DM and 312.91 mg/100 g DM, respectively, compared to the cultivated Opuntia. Finally, the mineral profle revealed a signifcant countenance of all species’ fractions in many important minerals for human organism functioning, like iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.
- Nonthermal high-pressure microalgae extracts: A new source of natural ingredients for cosmeticsPublication . Garcia, Mónica P.; Regueiras, Ana; Lopes, Graciliana; Matos, Gabriela; Silva, Lucília P. da; Cerqueira, Mariana T.; Cardoso, Helena; Correia, Nádia; Saraiva, Jorge A.; Silva, Joana L.; Martins, Rosário; Marques, Alexandra P.Microalgae are one of the most prominent sources of ingredients for the cosmetic industry not only due to their diversity but, importantly, due to the low environmental impact in production and extraction. A sustainable extraction process requires the use of effective and environmentally friendly solvents that guarantee an extract with a relevant content and in high yields. In this work, Chlorella vulgaris, Nannochloropsis oceanica, Tetraselmis chui, Chlorococcum amblystomatis and Phaeodactylum tricornutum microalgae species grown in tubular photobioreactors were used to validate a high-pressure extraction (HPE) method. Extraction yields up to 57 % were obtained depending on the used solvent (water, ethanol, or acetone). The extracts were then characterized regarding their phytochemical composition (total phenolic, protein, chlorophylls content, and chlorophyll a). Aqueous extracts showed high protein content (6–51 μg/mg biomass), while ethanolic and acetone extracts showed high amounts of phenolic compounds (0.0007–0.03 μg/mg biomass). The levels of photosynthetic pigments (0.1–11 μg/mg biomass) associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were higher when extracted using ethanol and high-pressures. Chlorella vulgaris aqueous extracts presented higher protein content while Nannochloropsis oceanica and Tetraselmis chui ethanolic extracts presented higher amounts of photosynthetic pigments. The effect of the extracts over the metabolic activity of primary human dermal fibroblasts, keratinocytes, melanocytes, and adipocytes was dependent on both microalgae species and cell type. In adipocytes and fibroblasts, extracts presented an IC50 > 500 μg/mL, except for the one of Phaeodactylum tricornutum in fibroblasts (IC50 < 150 μg/mL). In contrast, the IC50 was below 500 μg/mL for most of the extracts in keratinocytes and melanocytes. Overall, extracts of sustainably-grown microalgae obtained by a high-pressure method are a promising source of natural ingredients for cosmeceutical applications.
- Phytochemical profile, antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against keratinocytes, fibroblasts and endothelial cells of picoplanktonic marine cyanobacteriaPublication . Morone, Janaína; Lopes, Graciliana; Preto, Marco; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Martins, RosárioCombining the increase demand for natural products in skin care formulations, and the bioactive arsenal of cyanobacteria, we aimed with this study to evaluate the potential of a 70% ethanolic extract of picocyanobacteria strains of the genera Cyanobium and Synechocystis for skin care applications.
- Secondary metabolites of cyanobacteria from Cape Verde Archipelago act as NO donors with potential application in dermatology and cosmeticsPublication . Morone, Janaína; Hentschke, Guilherme Scotta; Oliveira, Isabel Benta; Vasconcelos, Vítor; Martins, Rosário; Lopes, Graciliana; Martins, RosárioNitric oxide (NO) is a versatile mediator implicated in a variety of physiological processes, with the ultimate goal of maintaining organism homeostasis. In the present work, aqueous extracts from ten cyanobacteria strains isolated from the Cape Verde archipelago were explored as potential NO donors. None of the strains are toxin producers, as demonstrated by PCR and LC-MS analysis. The extracts were mainly composed by phycobiliproteins (9.1 to 43.8 %), followed by polysaccharides (7.7 to 35.1 %), phenols (1.49 to 3.3 %) and chlorophylls (0 to 0.45 %). All the extracts revealed antioxidant potential, with Salileptolyngbya sp. LEGE 181184 presenting the lowest IC 1 50 value for superoxide anion radical scavenging (46.50 μ g mL ), and ability to inhibit the proinflammatory enzyme lipoxygenase (LOX), Salileptolyngbya sp. LEGE 181150 presenting an IC positive control quercetin (28.49 and 31.77 μ g mL 1 25 similar to the , respectively), highlighting the potential of cyanobacteria extracts as natural ingredients for LOX inhibition. All the extracts were able to increase the NO produced by the macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 through iNOS modulation (from concentrations starting in 12.5 μ g mL 1 ), in a similar mechanism and superior extend to that of LPS. None of the extracts induced cytotoxicity to RAW 264.7 cells and to the endothelial hCMEC/d3, the fibroblast 3 T3/L1 and the keratinocytes HaCaT cell lines, and no environmental hazard is predicted, as demonstrated through the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo acute toxicity test (zFET). This pioneer study points-out cyanobacteria aqueous extracts as innovative and biobased natural antimicrobial ingredients which, through a NO-donating mechanism, may potentially act against important antibiotic-resistant strains, thus being worth of consideration as therapeutic agents in dermatology.