Thymoquinone-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles as Natural Preservative Agent in Cosmetic Products

The current status of controversy regarding the use of certain preservatives in cosmetic products makes it necessary to seek new ecological alternatives that are free of adverse effects on users. In our study, the natural terpene thymoquinone was encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized by DLS and TEM, showing a particle size of 20 nm. The chemical structure, thermal properties, and release profile of thymoquinone were evaluated and showed a successful stabilization and sustained release of terpenes. The antimicrobial properties of the nanoparticles were evaluated against typical microbial contaminants found in cosmetic products, showing high antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, natural moisturizing cream inoculated with the aforementioned microorganisms was formulated with thymoquinone-chitosan nanoparticles to evaluate the preservative efficiency, indicating its promising use as a preservative in cosmetics.

Influence of polyphenols on sensory properties of fermented sausages

In the current research, the use of polyphenols in the production of fermented sausages as a natural preservative and their influence on the sensory characteristics of these products were investigated. Polyphenols could have antimicrobial and antioxidant roles in meat products, but also a range of positive biological effects on consumers. The results of the research showed that the addition of polyphenols did not significantly affect the sensory properties (colour, cross-section appearance, consistency, odour and flavour) of the three groups of sausages (control fermented sausage and two sausage variants, one with nitrite and one without nitrite), and that sausages were highly rated during most of the storage period. In addition, all tested sausages were evaluated as acceptable until the end of the entire storage period, i.e., throughout the 280-day period after sausage production.