Nuno Miguel Silva

Skin aging is closely associated with oxidative stress and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, driving the search for multifunctional natural ingredients capable of targeting both processes. This study investigated cork powder, a by-product of Quercus suber L. processing, as a source of bioactive compounds for dermocosmetic applications through the characterization and functional evaluation of its phenolic extract. Phytochemical characterization confirmed a substantial phenolic fraction, while HPLC–DAD–ESI-MS/MS analysis enabled the tentative identification of characteristic cork phenolics, including ellagitannins and ellagic acid. The extract exhibited antioxidant activity in DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays, together with pronounced hyaluronidase inhibition (97.12 ± 8.17%), moderate elastase inhibition (41.44 ± 3.29%), and comparatively limited tyrosinase inhibition. Following incorporation into cream, lip balm, and cleansing gel formulations, measurable antioxidant activity was retained, although its magnitude varied according to formulation type and antioxidant assay. Enzyme-inhibitory activity was also retained in the cream, with estimated IC₅₀ values of approximately 0.6% for hyaluronidase and 1.75% for elastase. No evident deterioration in the measured mechanical and organoleptic characteristics was observed over the two-month storage period. Overall, cork powder extract demonstrated potential as a multifunctional dermocosmetic ingredient combining antioxidant and ECM-associated enzyme-inhibitory properties while contributing to the higher-value valorization of a cork-processing by-product.

Background: Occupational exposure to hazardous drugs is a recognised occupational risk in hospital pharmacy practice. Although international guidelines are available, the implementation is heterogeneous, and there are currently no formally endorsed national recommendations regarding the safety of pharmacy technicians in Portugal. Objective: To develop consensus-based national recommendations for the safe handling of hazardous drugs by pharmacy technicians in Portugal. Methods: A modified Delphi study was conducted involving 43 invited experts from Portuguese hospital pharmacies. Fifty-eight statements were evaluated using a 0–10 agreement scale through one formal quantitative round, followed by a structured online consensus validation meeting and documentary confirmation. Consensus was predefined as a median score >7. Results: Thirty-six experts completed Round 1 (response rate 83.7%). All 58 statements voted on in Round 1 achieved consensus, with median scores of 10 for all recommendations and 98% of ratings ≥7. Following consolidation and merging procedures, the final set comprised 55 recommendations. The final recommendations were organised into five domains: occupational health surveillance, engineering controls and PPE, preparation technique and quality assurance, administrative safeguards, and environmental contamination and waste management. Conclusions: This study establishes the first structured national consensus on hazardous drug handling safety for pharmacy technicians in Portugal. The resulting framework supports harmonisation of institutional practices, strengthens occupational risk governance, and provides a foundation for future implementation and evaluation studies.

The pharmaceutical sector has evolved toward innovation-driven and sustainability-oriented development, driven by increasing regulatory pressure and global health challenges. In this context, cork (Quercus suber L.) has emerged as a promising bio-based resource due to its renewable nature, near-zero-waste processing chain, and growing evidence of biological activity. Cork by-products are rich in phenolic compounds, triterpenes, lignin derivatives, and other secondary metabolites exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties, with relevance for pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic applications. These bioactivities are associated with the modulation of oxidative stress, inhibition of pro-inflammatory signaling pathways, and support of skin barrier function. This review provides an updated and focused overview of the chemical composition, bioactive potential, and valorization pathways of cork by-products, with particular emphasis on their translation into pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic formulations. Key challenges related to extraction standardization, bioavailability, safety, and clinical validation are critically discussed, highlighting future directions for the sustainable development of cork-derived bioactive ingredients within circular bioeconomy frameworks.