Eucalyptus globulus is planted extensively for pulp, paper and wood production. Although bioactive compounds obtained from its biomass are used as cosmetics ingredients, the skin effects were not yet fully explored. In order to fill this gap, this work aimed to study the protective effect against skin damage provided by the essential oil (EO) obtained from the hydrodistillation of Eucalyptus globulus leaves, and by an extract obtained from the hydrodistillation residual water (HRW). The major compound identified in the EO was 1,8-Cineole, and the phenolic acids in the HRW included gallic acid as the main phenolic constituent. Moreover, non-toxic EO and HRW concentrations were shown to have anti-aging skin effects in vitro, decreasing age-related senescence markers, namely β-galactosidase and matrix metalloproteinases activation, as well as collagen type 1 upregulation. In addition, EO and HRW were found to exhibit depigmenting effects by inhibiting tyrosinase and melanin production, along with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, the absence of skin irritation and sensitization in cells exposed to EO and HRW revealed the safety of both extracts for topical use. Taken together, these results highlight the beneficial effects of extracts obtained from Eucalyptus globulus biomass for skin aesthetic and health purposes, which should be explored deeply for the prediction of future pharmaceutical and dermocosmetics industrial applications.
In line with environmental awareness movements and social concerns, the textile industry is prioritizing sustainability in its strategic planning, product decisions, and brand initiatives. The use of non-biodegradable materials, obtained from non-renewable sources, contributes heavily to environmental pollution throughout the textile production chain. As sustainable alternatives, considerable efforts are being made to incorporate biodegradable biopolymers derived from residual biomass, with reasonable production costs, to replace or reduce the use of synthetic petrochemical-based polymers. However, the commercial deployment of these biopolymers is dependent on high biomass availability and a cost-effective supply. Residual forest biomass, with lignocellulosic composition and seasonably available at low cost, constitutes an attractive renewable resource that might be used as raw material. Thus, this review aims at carrying out a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on the use of residual forest biomass as a source of new biomaterials for the textile industry, identifying current gaps or problems. Three specific biopolymers are considered: lignin that is recovered from forest biomass, and the bacterial biopolymers poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHAs) and bacterial cellulose (BC), which can be produced from sugar-rich hydrolysates derived from the polysaccharide fractions of forest biomass. Lignin, PHA, and BC can find use in textile applications, for example, to develop fibers or technical textiles, thus replacing the currently used synthetic materials. This approach will considerably contribute to improving the sustainability of the textile industry by reducing the amount of non-biodegradable materials upon disposal of textiles, reducing their environmental impact. Moreover, the integration of residual forest biomass as renewable raw material to produce advanced biomaterials for the textile industry is consistent with the principles of the circular economy and the bioeconomy and offers potential for the development of innovative materials for this industry.
1 October 2004 in Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society