The Potential of Algae in the Nutricosmetic Sector

Abstract

Seaweeds or algae are marine autotrophic organisms. They produce nutrients (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, etc.) essential for the survival of living organisms as they participate in biochemical processes and non-nutritive molecules (such as dietary fibers and secondary metabolites), which can improve their physiological functions. Seaweed polysaccharides, fatty acids, peptides, terpenoids, pigments, and polyphenols have biological properties that can be used to develop food supplements and nutricosmetic products as they can act as antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory compounds. This review examines the (primary and secondary) metabolites produced by algae, the most recent evidence of their effect on human health conditions, with particular attention to what concerns the skin and hair’s well-being. It also evaluates the industrial potential of recovering these metabolites from biomass produced by algae used to clean wastewater. The results demonstrate that algae can be considered a natural source of bioactive molecules for well-being formulations. The primary and secondary metabolites’ upcycling can be an exciting opportunity to safeguard the planet (promoting a circular economy) and, at the same time, obtain low-cost bioactive molecules for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries from low-cost, raw, and renewable materials. Today’s lack of methodologies for recovering bioactive molecules in large-scale processes limits practical realization.

Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Five Algae Cultivated in Fully Controlled Closed Systems

“…As such, their adequate dietary intake greatly contributes to the prevention of chronic and degenerative diseases such as cancer, neurological, and cardiovascular diseases and premature aging [ 33 , 34 , 35 ]. In addition to their macronutrient value, algae can also deliver a considerable amount of highly valuable elements, which reinforces their potential to be incorporated into the development of functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals [ 5 , 36 ]. Seaweed mineral content is very variable and is tremendously influenced by several exogenous and endogenous factors such as environmental conditions, morphological features, and geographic location [ 37 , 38 ].…”

“…Furthermore, macroalgae Ca content is higher than that of oranges, carrots, potatoes, and apples [ 38 ]. Regarding this mineral’s bioavailability in algae, it widely varies depending on the macroalgae species, food matrix, and other factors [ 5 , 46 ]. For example, the macroalgae L. digitata is rich in alginates that retain divalent cations, which include Ca, leading to poor bioavailability [ 38 ].…”

“…Dietary fiber of macroalgae contains several polysaccharides of high relevance for food, biomedical research, and therapeutic applications such as agars, ulvans, and fucoidans [ 57 , 58 ]. Sulfated polysaccharides, in particular, exhibit many biological activities such as antitumor, immunomodulatory, anticoagulant, and anti-mutagenic, among other relevant biological activities [ 5 , 7 ].…”

“…Seaweeds have been on earth far beyond the dawn of mankind and have had varying degrees of influence on human societies across history [ 2 ]. Nowadays, scientific data are opening the path for the full valorization of algae, showing their remarkable potential for a wide range of health and industrial applications [ 4 , 5 ].…”

Marine Resources Offer New Compounds and Strategies for the Treatment of Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

“…Certain compounds, such as marine collagen peptides, have been shown to enhance the synthesis and organization of skin structural proteins, including collagen and elastin, promoting the maintenance and integrity of the skin barrier [64]. Wound healing and skin repair will also be an issue where marine compounds may play a role in the future, especially those derived from algal polysaccharides (for review, see: [65][66][67]).…”