Nuovi prodotti da scarti di Punica granatum per formulazioni biocosmetiche

In this graduate work two biorefinery approaches are studied for the valorisation of an agri–food waste of italian Punica granatum (pomegranate). The aim of this study is to produce a high value–added ingredient to functionalize a biocosmetic. The mesocarp, the non–edible part of the fruit, is an important source of bioactive substances such as polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acid and polysaccharides with antioxidant, antimicrobical, antibacterial, anti– inflammatory and anticancer properties. In this study the polysaccharide structure of the mesocarp cell wall is broken down to make these compounds bioavailable using molecular bioliquefaction, a biotechnological method with a low environmental impact that exploits enzymatic hydrolisis. The molecular bioliquefaction tests are conducted with two different commercial enzyme preparations. In conclusion, the most suitable extraction method to obtain a cosmetic emulsion with the highest antioxidant power is identified.