Mustafa Eray Bozyel

Cosmetics; once they enter the body, they can be metabolised and re-enter the environment through sweat, urine or faeces; therefore, disposal of these waste products using conventional methods is not always possible. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), a bioanalytical method, is used to interpret the biodegradability capacity of products at treatment plants and to assess the effectiveness of treatment. BOD is an indicator that reflects the amount of organically easily degradable compounds and is widely used in assessing water quality; in practice, it is usually expressed in mg O2/L. The inability to remove non-metabolised compounds during wastewater treatment and the effects of pollutants, particularly on air, water, and soil, can seriously threaten living organisms and natural resources in the long term. The aim of this study is to reduce the potential harm of chemicals in cosmetic products, prevent environmental pollution from packaging and contents, and minimise problems arising from their return to living organisms through environmental cycles. In this study, the aforementioned risks will be addressed preventively through in silico modelling and in vitro validation prior to use, during the development process of natural-based and zero-waste products, rather than after the use of cosmetic products. By adopting a zero-waste approach, efficiency and performance increase, while costs decrease and environmental risks are reduced through the prevention of waste. The results obtained are expected to shed light on the effects of different formulations associated with chemical risks on environmental sustainability (e.g., possible changes in carbon footprint) and contribute to the development of new methods in zero-waste cosmetics research.

This study investigates the biochemical composition, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of Syntrichia ruralis (Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Moh extracts obtained using ethanol, methanol, n-hexane and distilled water solvents. Disk diffusion assays demonstrated selective antimicrobial activity against specific bacterial and fungal strains, including Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida glabrata, and Proteus vulgaris. The MIC value for S. epidermidis was notably low (155 µg/mL) with the methanol extract, while other strains exhibited MIC values exceeding 10,000 µg/mL. Antibiofilm assays revealed significant inhibitory effects, particularly against foodborne Listeria innocua and clinical Escherichia coli isolates, with inhibition rates ranging from 57% to 87%, comparable to commercial disinfectant Halamid. In contrast, biofilm formation was enhanced in Listeria monocytogenes upon exposure to the extracts. The ethanol extract showed limited antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay (30.69% at 1000 µg/mL), with an EC₅₀ of 1743.47 µg/mL. GC-MS analysis identified a total of 50 compounds in all extracts. Palmitic acid, neophytadiene, vitamin E, and triterpenoids such as β-amyrin acetate were predominant in ethanol extract, while methanol and n-hexane extracts contained long-chain alkanes, sterols, and fatty acid derivatives. The presence of these compounds may underlie the observed biological effects. This study represents the first comprehensive report on the antimicrobial, antibiofilm and antioxidant activities of S. ruralis and highlights its potential as a source of bioactive metabolites, especially for targeting biofilm-associated infections.

Background/Objectives: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with gut dysbiosis linked to early-life antibiotic use and Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Gum Arabic (GA), a prebiotic, may modulate this dysbiosis and influence AD-related microbial balance. This study evaluated whether GA could support AD-associated probiotics-Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bifidobacterium infantis-under amoxicillin- or azithromycin-containing conditions, examined the response of S. aureus under the same screening conditions, and developed GA-phospholipid-based semisolid carriers for topical application. Methods: Probiotic strains were cultured with 1–5% GA in the presence and absence of antibiotics, and viable cell counts were assessed. Sixteen topical formulations containing propylene glycol or isopropyl myristate in a hydrogenated phosphatidylcholine base were prepared and screened for rheological properties and galactose release using in vitro release testing (IVRT) and HPLC-UV. Results: GA at 1–2% concentrations promoted probiotic growth in antibiotic-free conditions. GA preserved B. infantis viability under azithromycin exposure in this in vitro screening model. For S. aureus, numerical CFU differences were observed between antibiotic-only and GA-containing conditions; however, the present screening design was not intended to determine antibiotic interaction outcomes. Formulations F14 (2% GA + 7% IPM) and F15 (3% GA + 7% IPM) exhibited optimal spreadability. IVRT showed that 6 h cumulative galactose release varied by formulation (F6 > F10 > F14 > F15). Conclusions: GA demonstrated dose-dependent prebiotic activity and preserved B. infantis viability under azithromycin exposure in this in vitro screening model. For S. aureus, the observed CFU differences between antibiotic-only and GA-containing conditions should be considered exploratory only and do not allow for conclusions regarding interference with antibiotic efficacy. Optimized GA-HPC systems with suitable rheological and release characteristics represent promising candidates for further preclinical investigation.

Background: Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural polysaccharide widely recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; however, its functional behavior as a biopolymeric gel and the mechanisms underlying its selective effects on cancer-related redox microenvironments remain insufficiently characterized. It is imperative to note that the interaction between its physicochemical properties and its biological activity in colorectal cancer remains to be fully clarified. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate the antineoplastic potential of GA in human colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines (HT-29 and HCT-116) compared to normal fibroblasts (MRC-5) using the MTS assay. Oxidative stress-related molecular responses were assessed by quantitative PCR analysis of GPX4, GSTA2, CAT, NFKB, and SOD1 expression. In parallel, extracellular concentrations of key metal ions (Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Al³⁺) were quantified following GA exposure. To establish its functional gel characteristics, rheological measurements were performed to assess viscosity and shear-dependent behavior, and USP-compliant in vitro kinetic studies were conducted to evaluate time-dependent release properties. Results: GA induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity in HT-29 and HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells, while MRC-5 fibroblasts exhibited comparatively higher viability across the tested concentration range, indicating reduced sensitivity in normal cells. Rheological analysis revealed concentration- and ion-dependent viscoelastic behavior, identifying a 10% (w/w) GA formulation as optimal due to its balanced low-shear viscosity and controlled shear-thinning properties. Kinetic studies demonstrated a defined, diffusion-governed release profile under physiologically relevant conditions. At the molecular level, significant upregulation of GPX4 and GSTA2 was observed in both cancer cell lines, whereas NFKB expression increased selectively in HT-29 cells, with no notable changes in CAT or SOD1 expression. Additionally, GA treatment resulted in marked increases in Fe²⁺, Zn²⁺, and Mn²⁺ levels, indicating modulation of the redox–ionic microenvironment. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that GA functions as a natural, ion-responsive biopolymeric system with defined rheological and kinetic properties, capable of selectively targeting colorectal cancer cells through coordinated genetic and ionic regulation of oxidative stress. Collectively, the results position GA as a promising functional gel-based platform for future redox-modulated therapeutic strategies in colorectal cancer.

The focus of research in the fields of dermocosmetics and biomedicine is increasingly on natural oils in relation to criteria such as biocompatibility, safety and efficacy. Poppy seed oil (Papaver somniferum L.) is notable for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, antioxidant components and biologically active phytochemicals. A plethora of studies have been conducted on the oil's lipid profile, pharmacological effects, and potential health benefits. These studies have reported findings on a range of topics, including cholesterol level regulation, the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, and anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. In addition, its capacity to reinforce skin barrier function has led to the proposition of its utilisation as a complementary agent in the management of various dermatological conditions, including eczema, dermatitis, and pressure sores. This review appraises the phytochemical components, pharmacological activities, and contemporary applications of poppy seed oil in the domains of health and cosmetics. As demonstrated by extant literature, poppy seed oil has been utilised not only as a traditional food and oil source, but also as a noteworthy natural raw material for dermocosmetic and biomedical applications.

In this study, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of extracts obtained from the moss Rhynchostegium riparioides using ethanol, methanol, n-hexane, and water solvents were evaluated. Standard strains, food isolates, and clinical isolates, including multidrug-resistant strains, were utilized in the tests. The efficacy of the extracts was determined using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods, and their phytochemical profiles were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The n-hexane extract showed the highest antimicrobial activity, demonstrating strong effects even at the lowest tested concentrations. This extract was predominantly composed (79.29%) of tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate. The methanol extract exhibited broad-spectrum activity, notably effective against Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli, and major compounds identified included neophytadiene (21.55%), palmitic acid (18.65%), and linolenic acid (10.45%). In the antibiofilm assays, a strong inhibition of up to 95% was observed, particularly against Listeria innocua. These findings highlight the potential of the n-hexane extract for development as a natural antibiofilm agent. The findings underscore the potential for developing the n-hexane extracts as natural antibiofilm agents.

In the present study, the bryophyte Plasteurhynchium striatulum (Spruce) M. Fleisch was extracted using three different solvents: ethanol, methanol, and n-hexane. Subsequently, the antimicrobial activities of the extracts were evaluated against a range of microorganisms including foodborne isolates, clinical isolates, multidrug-resistant strains, and standard strains using disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and antibiofilm assays. In addition, antioxidant activity was assessed through the DPPH radical scavenging assay. The biochemical constituents of the extracts were identified via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. According to the disk diffusion test results, activity was observed against eight bacterial strains, most notably Escherichia coli and Providencia rustigianii, both of which exhibit multidrug resistance. The highest MIC value was recorded as 0.8816 mg/mL against the Salmonella infantis strain. The strongest antioxidant performance was observed at a concentration of 1 mg/mL. GC-MS analysis revealed that the major components of the extract were Tris(2,4-di-tert-butylphenyl) phosphate (52.45%), A'-Neogammacer-22(29)-ene (25.00%), and Neophytadiene (12.72%). In conclusion, P. striatulum was found to possess notable antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, along with a rich biochemical composition. These findings suggest that P. striatulum holds promise as a potential source for the development of novel antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. Additionally, its biochemical characteristics could offer important information for upcoming studies.

The Salvia genus, commonly referred to as “sage”, represents the largest genus within the family Lamiaceae. Approximately 1,000 species of the Salvia genus are known to grow naturally, primarily in southern Europe but also in other regions worldwide. A significant proportion of the species are utilized in traditional medicine. In vitro and in vivo studies with Salvia species have confirmed the presence of numerous secondary metabolites with various biological activities and therapeutic properties. The Salvia genus contains a variety of secondary metabolites, including sterols, flavonoids, sesquiterpenoids, sesterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and essential oils. This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the use of the genus Salvia in traditional medicine and the therapeutic effects of its secondary metabolites.

Bryophytes, which include about 24,000 taxa and consist of mosses (Bryopsida), liverworts (Hepaticopsida), and hornworts (Anthocerotopsida), are the largest group of secondary terrestrial plants after angiosperms. Indigenous communities globally use bryophytes for various medicinal purposes, including antimicrobial, antipyretic, dermatological, hepatic, cardiovascular, and wound-healing properties. Found in diverse habitats, excluding oceans, bryophytes are significant sources of bioactive compounds, particularly secondary metabolites such as steroids, alkaloids, phenols, coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins. These compounds demonstrate various therapeutic activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anti-cancer effects. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of the ethnomedicinal uses of bryophytes and the therapeutic applications of their secondary metabolites.

The genus Origanum (Lamiaceae) encompasses a variety of species recognized for their medicinal properties. It has a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the Mediterranean Basin. The term “oregano” is used to refer to several species within the genus Origanum. Origanum species have been used in traditional medicinal practices since ancient times to treat various ailments. Secondary metabolites produced by this genus are important as they take an active role in numerous therapeutic properties and biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor effects. The most prevalent secondary metabolites in this genus are carvacrol, thymol, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, and linalool. These secondary metabolites play an important role in the therapeutic properties and biological activities of the genus. This study aims to present a comprehensive review of the traditional uses of the genus Origanum, its secondary metabolites, and their therapeutic properties.