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This review explores advances in silymarin extraction and liposomal encapsulation techniques, highlighting their potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. The study evaluates a range of extraction techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and enzyme-assisted extraction, emphasising their efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Furthermore, it examines conventional and innovative liposomal encapsulation techniques, including supercritical carbon dioxide encapsulation and microfluidics, which enhance silymarin's bioavailability and therapeutic effects. The integration of these methods promises more effective, safe, and eco-friendly silymarin products. This comprehensive review aims to inform readers of the latest research and future industrial applications, with a particular focus on the refinement and scaling up of these processes to meet commercial demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil cakes are pomace that is a by-product of pressing oil from oilseeds. Due to the content of bioactive ingredients, there is more and more talk about their valorization through use in human and animal nutrition as well as microbiological processes aimed at the biosynthesis of biosurfactants, enzymes and fragrance compounds. The aim of this research was a qualitative assessment of selected oil cakes (linseed, rapeseed, hemp, safflower and camelina oil cakes) in the context of their potential use in microbiological cultures aimed at the biosynthesis of green note aroma compounds. The scope of the research included the analysis of the fatty acid composition of the lipid fraction of oil cakes as well as the determination of lipoxygenase activity and the polyphenol content in the extracts of these raw materials. Chromatographic analysis of the lipid fraction showed that hemp and safflower cakes had the highest content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. PUFAs constitute 67.18 ± 2.2% and 73.72 ± 1.8% in their extracts, respectively. Hemp cake extracts were also characterized by the highest lipoxygenase activity—76.4–1.2 U/mL with a low content of phenolic compounds at the level of 0.116 ± 0.005 mg GAE/mL of extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida antarctica: lipase B (CALB) is the most widely studied enzyme, due to its high selectivity and catalytic activity in organic and polymer synthesis. To avoid organometallic catalysts in the synthesis of biodegradable polyesters, the enzymatic ring-opening polymerization of cyclic esters can be carried out with CALB as a biocatalyst. This paper reviews selected examples of the application of lipases in polymer chemistry covering the synthesis of cyclic ester monomers, linear and star oligomers, as well as well-defined high molar mass polymers with improved mechanical properties. It is shown that by the selection of appropriate conditions of temperature and solvent assortment, CALB effectively catalyzes the polymerization of large size lactones obtaining polyesters with Mn up to 80 kg mol−1. The chemical structure and main applications of described materials are also discussed. As the polymer recycling is an important topic from environmental point of view, we also described the potential applications of CALB in degradation process of aliphatic polyesters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ricin is a heterodimeric protein that consists of A and B subunits that can be produced in the seeds of the castor oil plant Ricinus communis. Its large quantities are accumulated in byproducts generated during the extraction of castor oil, widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. Ricin is one of the most potent toxins. Toxic effects of ricin are caused by its ability to inhibit protein synthesis and the level of toxicity depends on both dose and route of exposure. There are three route of administration of ricin: oral ingestion, parenteral (injectable) or inhalation. The clinical presentation of ricin toxicity depends on the route of administration. Toxin causes inflammation, gastrointestinal haemorrhages, renal tubular necrosis or hypoglycemia. Although ricin can be lethal, it has the potential for therapeutic use. Ricin A-chain is one of the first examples of a toxin coupled to monoclonal antibodies against cell surface proteins and is used experimentally for the treatment of various cancers. This article discusses the structure of ricin, the mechanism of its synthesis and describes the biological activity of this protein.