According to recent trends, people are more interested in cosmetic products based on natural raw materials, known to be safe for humans, including extracts obtained from selected plants, rich in active ingredients, such as proteins, vitamins, micro- and macro-elements, phospholipids, antioxidants, and natural preservatives. An example of such raw materials is Tremella fuciformis extract, which is a natural alternative to hyaluronic acid. It retains water deep in the skin cells and stimulates the skin to fight free radicals, which are responsible for the premature aging of the skin. The aim of this study was to optimize the composition of cosmetic formulations based on natural substitutes for the synthetic substances, as well as their characterization, which included the determination of the physicochemical and skin care properties. Formulations containing Tremella fuciformis extract had the effect of reducing TEWL by 12.4%, compared to a formulation that did not contain this active ingredient, and allowed adequate hydration of the epidermis, which was confirmed by apparatus methods. Additionally, dermatological tests were also conducted for the formulations obtained, which showed that no erythema or swelling/irritation was observed in any of the test volunteers 48 and 72 h after the application of the product.

Hierarchical zeolites are aluminosilicates with a crystal structure, which next to the micropores possess secondary porosity in the range of mesopores and/or small macropores. Due to their ordered structure and additional secondary porosity, they have aroused great interest among scientists in recent years. Therefore, the present work concerns the synthesis and characterization of hierarchical zeolites with secondary mesoporosity, based on commercial zeolites such as MFI (ZSM-5), BEA (β) and FAU (Y), and modified with polysaccharides such as inulin, hyaluronic acid, and heparin. All materials were characterized by various analytical techniques and applied as a platform for delivery of selected drug molecules. On the basis of X-ray diffraction (presence of reflections in the 2θ angle range of 1.5–2.5°) and low-temperature nitrogen sorption isotherms (mixture of isotherms of I and IV type) additional secondary porosity was found in the mesopore range. Additional tests were also conducted to determine the possibility of loading selected molecules with biological activity into the aforementioned materials and then releasing them in the therapeutic process. Molecules with different therapeutic options were selected for testing, namely ibuprofen, curcumin, and ferulic acid with anti-inflammatory, potentially anticancer, antioxidant, and skin discoloration activities, respectively. Preliminary studies have confirmed the possibility of using hierarchical zeolites as potential carriers for bioactive molecules, as the loading percentage of active substances ranged from 39–79% and cumulative release for ibuprofen reached almost 100% after 8 h of testing.

Bisphenol A (4,4-isopropylidenediphenol, BPA) is an organic compound widely used, e.g., in the production of epoxy resins, plastics, and thermal receipt papers. Unfortunately, bisphenol A has negative effects on human health, which has prompted the search for an effective method of its removal. One of the most promising methods of its elimination is photocatalytic removal. The aim of this study was to design an effective method for the photocatalytic removal of bisphenol A using, for the first time, hierarchical zeolites and ruthenium ion-modified diatom biosilica, and silver as photocatalysts and optimization of the reaction conditions: temperature, pH, and composition of the reaction mixture as well as the electromagnetic wavelength. Additionally, for the first time, the electromagnetic wavelength that would be most suitable for the study was selected. All materials used were initially characterized by XRD and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms. Ruthenium ion-modified biosilica proved to be the most effective catalyst for bisphenol A removal, which occurred at a rate higher than 99%.