Objectives

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Aim & Objectives

This project aims at creating nanocosmetic products for sensitive skin and processes that will improve people’s daily lives.

The research proposed in the NanoCosmos project is interdisciplinary and is based on the knowledge of all participants in the proposed scientific network.

Goals abstract concept vector illustration. Business growth, strategic long-term planning, smart goals and objectives, setting mission, having purpose, future achievement abstract metaphor.
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Objective 1: Medicinal plants biodiversity, cropping and different source of byproducts/wastes

Development of small plot crops with diverse medicinal plants species including different commercial varieties of Chamomile (Matricaria chamomila) and wild selections plus one commercially available variety of Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea) in order to evaluate the effect of natural chemodiversity of the crops on the waste/byproducts initial quality. To collect saffron (Crocus sativus) petals as by-broduct biomass, and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) post-distillation wastes from main crops exist in Greece, in order to evaluate their exploitation as a novel source of bioactive compounds.

Objective 2: Exploitation of green extraction technology for bioactive’s recovery

The work package is intended to optimize efficient green methods for bioactive compounds extraction from the four plant by-product matrices. Conventional methods will be explored and compared to more recent, relatively greener, less solvent-intensive, more efficient and less time-consuming methods of extraction. The ‘Guide for Bioactive Compounds Green Extraction’ will be developed.

Objective 3: Drying processes and post dried by-product optimization

Establish drying characteristic curves of selected MAP species; optimize drying processes and find optimum drying conditions of MAPs; develop biomass treatment protocols for targeted release of bioactive compounds from by-products.

Objective 4: Metabolomics application and identification of green extracts metabolic fingerprint

The work package is intended to evaluate qualitative and quantitative features emphasizing on bioactive compounds; to isolate bioactive fractions; to develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be followed for the entire project duration.

Objective 5: Bioactivity and testing efficiency

The work package is intended to evaluate the plant by-product extracts and residue materials for bioactive and cytotoxic properties emphasizing on fractions/compounds; to select the most promising plant material and ways of its processing (extraction, enrichment, isolation of phytochemicals) to obtain optimal properties in one or more of the tested activities.

Objective 6: Implementation of nano-technology and development of novel formulation

The objective is the development and pilot production of functional ingredients by the use of nanotechnology to produce novel cosmetics; innovative formulations for nano-cosmetic products for sensitive skins.