Rosmarinic Acid and Ulvan from Terrestrial and Marine Sources in Anti-Microbial Bionanosystems and Biomaterials

Abstract

In order to increase their sustainability, antimicrobial renewable molecules are fundamental additions to consumer goods. Rosmarinic acid is extracted from several terrestrial plants and represents an effective anti-microbial agent. Ulvan, extracted from algae, is an anti-microbial polysaccharide. The present review is dedicated to discussing the sources and the extraction methodologies for obtaining rosmarinic acid and ulvan. Moreover, the preparation of bioanosystems, integrating the two molecules with organic or inorganic substrates, are reviewed as methodologies to increase their effectiveness and stability. Finally, the possibility of preparing functional biomaterials and anti-microbial final products is discussed, considering scientific literature. The performed analysis indicated that the production of both molecules is not yet performed with mature industrial technologies. Nevertheless, both molecules could potentially be used in the packaging, biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, sanitary and personal care sectors, despite some research being required for developing functional materials with specific properties to pave the way for many more applications.

Effects of Carbohydrates on Rosmarinic Acid Production and In Vitro Antimicrobial Activities in Hairy Root Cultures of Agastache rugosa

“…Rosmarinic acid biosynthesis begins with formation of the 4-coumaroyl-4′-hydroxyphenyllactic acid precursor, which can be biosynthesized from two amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine). The precursor is subsequently converted to caffeoyl-4′-hydroxy phenyllactic acid, followed by conversion to rosmarinic acid [ 14 ]. Biological properties of rosmarinic acid include antioxidant [ 15 ] and antibacterial activities [ 16 ].…”

Chitin Nanofibril-Nanolignin Complexes as Carriers of Functional Molecules for Skin Contact Applications

“…performances, but also reduced environmental impacts, is fostering the use of renewable and, in several applicative sectors, biodegradable materials [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. The latter may include both the matrix and vehicle of the formulation, such as, e.g., polysaccharides, and the active species introduced as co-formulants or as modifiers and, in particular, molecules extracted from biomass or agri-food waste, also exploiting nanotechnology [8][9][10][11][12][13].…”

“…Due to its typically negative surface charge, lignin can be easily complexed with CN, which is positively charged in slightly acidic water solutions [32]. This process can be used for encapsulating useful active molecules in a nanostructured carrier [33][34][35], thus producing bionanosystems [8], referred to in the present paper as CN-NL/M.…”

“…The encapsulation of functional molecules extracted from biomass in specific nanostructured systems has been shown to be an appropriate strategy to protect them during their application, especially if a thermal treatment at high temperatures, such as in polymer extrusion, is required [8,56]. Coiai et al [57] evidenced the efficacy of encapsulation in hydrotalcites for protecting rosmarinic acid and acetyl salicylic acid from thermal degradation upon extrusion in a polyethylene matrix.…”

The Use of Silicones as Extractants of Biologically Active Substances from Vegetable Raw Materials

“…Vegetable raw materials have been largely employed in cosmetics due to the presence of a broad range of biologically active substances with different functionalities. Recently, numerous studies have been aimed towards the development of cosmetic formulations containing growing amounts of natural molecules [1][2][3]. Biologically active substances from plants belong to different classes of inorganic and organic compounds, which possess a specific activity that influences the catalytic and regulatory functions in the human body [4].…”