MYCO3DMASK
Scheda del progetto
Università degli Studi di Pavia
Professor Elena Savino
Dr. Lorenzo Goppa
Dr. Anthea Desiderio
Dr. Laura Catenacci
Dr. Milena Lillina Sorrenti
The search for natural products with anti-aging properties is currently experiencing rapid growth, gaining increasing importance in the international market. Anti-aging products derived from plant species are common, while fungal extracts, despite demonstrating anti-aging and antioxidant activity, remain underexplored. In particular, functional studies conducted by our team highlight the positive effects of Lentinus tigrinus (Bull.) Fr., a medicinal fungus, in this area. Currently, there are no market products that exploit the properties of this fungus.
Our project aims to create a prototype of a beauty mask using 3D printing technology. This mask will contain extracts high in beta-glucans, mannitol, and trehalose obtained from L. tigrinus, cultivated on hazelnut shells supplied by a local company specializing in hazelnut production and processing.
Contacts:
Contact person
Paola Rossi
Email
paola.rossi@unipv.it
Tel
+39 0382 986076
The project aims to develop an anti-aging beauty mask using extracts from Lentinus tigrinus grown on hazelnut shells, created through 3D printing. This innovative facial mask will stand out due to its advanced mix of polysaccharide components and a specially formulated blend, tested through various functional, microbiological, and biocompatibility methods. The initiative leverages the emerging technology of 3D printing for prototypes with innovative designs, which is also applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors, while valorising agricultural waste in a circular model. Collaborations among various research groups at the University of Pavia have optimised the use of hazelnut shells to obtain anti-aging and antioxidant extracts. The main challenges include the valorisation of agricultural waste, the advanced formulation of the cosmeceutical, and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies for its production, all oriented towards personalised and sustainable cosmeceuticals.
The innovation of the project focuses on several key aspects. First, the valorisation of hazelnut shells as an agricultural waste due to their high antioxidant power, which is underutilised in the cosmeceutical sector despite Italy being one of the world's leading producers of hazelnuts. Second, the use of the fungus Lentinus tigrinus for the production of anti-aging bioactive extracts, representing an innovation in the field of cosmeceuticals given its medicinal properties that have not yet been harnessed for this purpose. Third, the creation of green cosmeceuticals using biocompatible, biodegradable, and biocompostable polymers. Lastly, the adoption of 3D printing, an advanced technology that offers precision, reproducibility, design flexibility, and optimised prototyping speed. This innovative approach will be supported by a partnership with a 3D printing company in Crema, already active in research and development with cosmetic, cosmeceutical, and food companies.
The expected impact of this innovative solution is considered promising for several reasons. The cosmeceutical market, particularly the demand for anti-aging products, is steadily growing, especially among adults over 65 and also among young adults who focus on prevention. There is a rising demand for natural and sustainable products. Moreover, the future developments of the project, such as the potential for personalising the beauty mask and the flexibility in the final formulation, represent additional strengths.