From Seaweeds to Cosmeceutics: A Multidisciplinar Approach

Macroalgae are widespread on the coasts of all globe and lead to a negative ecological impact, requiring expensive remediations. Therefore, valorization invasive seaweed as renewable source bioactive products could represent valid solution. In this context, three algal biomasses, belonging brown, green, red families (Sargassum muticum, Ulva lactuca, Solieria filiformis), collected in venetian Laguna, were investigated active compounds for formulation cosmeceutics. Microwave (MW) ultrasound (US) applied enhance algae extraction by means hydroalcoholic According total phenolic content (TPC) evaluation, MW demonstrated best performing outcomes, resulting 19.77, 22.02, 16.94 mgGAE/gExtr (30 min at 90 °C) algae, respectively. Antioxidant activity was tested well, showing comparable trends (49.19, 26.24, 3.02 mmolTrolox eq./gExtr respectively). Due natural predisposition absorb contaminants, metal analysis helped screen applicability these extracts, identifying lactuca most suitable antioxidants cosmetic formulations. This extract then adopted formulate two different preparations, namely gel an emulsion. Thermal mechanical tests confirmed stability each formulation, together with neutral organoleptic characteristics. Finally, actives release tape stripping essay, efficient controlled even after 7 h test. The produced cosmeceutics merged non-conventional technologies expertise, offering valuable alternative solve macroalgae disposal issue.