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- Analysis of the Phenolic Profile of Chelidonium majus L. and Its Combination with Sericin: Balancing Antimicrobial Activity and CytocompatibilityPublication . Borges, Ana Margarida; Ordóñez-Díaz, José Luis; Aquino, Yara; Moreno-Rojas, José M.; Calvo, María Luisa Martín; Vaz, Josiana A.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.The incorporation of bioactive natural compounds into biomedical applications offers a promising route to enhance therapeutic efficacy while supporting sustainability. In this study, we investigated the synergistic potential of Sericin, a silk-derived biopolymer, and Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), a medicinal plant with a diverse phenolic profile, in relation to biological activities relevant for wound care and infection control. A combined experimental strategy was applied, integrating detailed chemical characterization of C. majus extracts with antimicrobial and cytocompatibility assays across different Sericin–plant extract ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:2, and 2:1). Phytochemical analysis identified and quantified 57 phenolic compounds, including high levels of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic and ferulic acid). Salicylic acid (123.6 µg/g), feruloyltyramine (111.8 µg/g), and pinocembrin (98.4 µg/g) were particularly abundant, compounds previously reported to disrupt microbial membranes and impair bacterial viability. These metabolites correlated with the strong antimicrobial activity of C. majus against Gram-positive strains (MIC = 5–10 mg/mL). In combination with Sericin, antimicrobial performance was ratio-dependent, with higher proportions of C. majus (2:1) retaining partial inhibitory effects. Cytocompatibility assays with HFF1 fibroblasts demonstrated low antiproliferative activity across most formulations (GI50 > 400 µg/mL), supporting their potential safety in topical applications. Collectively, the results indicate a concentration-dependent interaction between C. majus phenolics and the Sericin protein matrix, reinforcing their suitability as candidates for natural-based wound healing materials. Importantly, the valorization of Sericin, an underutilized byproduct of the silk industry, together with a widely accessible medicinal plant, underscores the ecological and economic sustainability of this approach. Overall, this work supports the exploration of the development of biomaterials with potential for advancing tissue repair and wound management.
- New frontiers in the exploration of phenolic compounds and other bioactives as natural preservativesPublication . Oliveira, Izamara; Santos-Buelga, Celestino; Aquino, Yara; Barros, Lillian; Heleno, Sandrina A.Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites widely distributed in the plant kingdom, valued for their strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. These bioactive compounds are promising natural alternatives to artificial preservatives in the food industry, aligning with consumer demand for sustainable solutions that ensure food quality and safety. In this review, the structural complexity of bioactive phenolic compounds, which include their various subclasses and the chemical basis of their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, is explored. This review examines innovative extraction methods designed to preserve the bioactivity of these compounds. Additionally, it examines their incorporation as natural preservatives, focusing on stability issues and applications in the food sector. The structural diversity of phenolic compounds underpins their broad applications in food preservation. These include antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, which contribute to food safety and offer potential health benefits. The use of agro-industrial biowastes as a sustainable supply of phenolics is a promising approach; however, standardization is necessary to obtain extracts with consistent and effective biological activity. Innovative techniques, such as encapsulation and integration into edible films, are being developed to improve the stability and effectiveness of these compounds, expanding their application in various food products
- Desenvolvimento de batons naturais: aplicação de corantes e conservantes de base biológicaPublication . Aquino, Yara; Heleno, Sandrina A.; Carocho, Márcio; Watanabe, Erica Roberta Lovo da RochaA indústria cosmética destaca-se atualmente pela crescente procura por produtos elaborados com ingredientes naturais, em resposta aos efeitos adversos associados aos conservantes e corantes artificiais. O presente estudo tem como foco o desenvolvimento de formulações de batons de base natural, utilizando óleo essencial de eucalipto como conservante e as matrizes Beta vulgaris L.. e Gomphrena globosa como fontes de corantes vermelho-rosa, ricos em betalaínas. As matrizes foram extraídas utilizando protocolos padrão para btenção de maiores rendimentos em óleo essencial de eucalipto pela técnica de extração de Clevenger, e em betalaínas pela técnica de maceração. Os extratos obtidos foram avaliados quanto às suas atividades antioxidante e antimicrobiana e foram posteriormente incorporados em dois produtos finais diferentes (duas formulações de batom e duas formulações de lip tint). Essas formulações foram avaliadas ao longo de 15 dias, incluindo análises físico-químicas (espectro de cores e pH) e bioatividade. Os resultados indicaram um decréscimo das propriedades antimicrobianas do agente conservante nas amostras testadas, Os batons apresentaram maior atividade antioxidante quando formulados com o corante obtido da G. globosa. Ambos os corantes sofreram alterações pouco significativas de cor ao longo do tempo. Conclui-se que o corante da G. globosa obteve o melhor resultado na análise antioxidante, na análise sensorial, apresentou amostras mais homogéneas e pouca mudança de coloração, evidenciando sua viabilidade em formulações naturais na indústria cosmética.