Development and biological evaluation of a nanoformulation containing olive leaf extract and olive oil

Resumo

Given the growing increase in agro-industrial waste generation within olive cultivation considering that Rio Grande do Sul is among the largest olive oil producers in Brazil the valorization of such by-products, particularly olive leaves, is proposed through biotechnological application using nanostructured systems. This initiative aligns with the principles of the circular economy, combining sustainability and innovation. A nanoemulsion containing olive leaf extract combined with olive oil (NEAZ) was developed and evaluated according to its physicochemical characteristics, stability tests, and in vitro biocompatibility in two cell models, Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). The developed nanoemulsion presented suitable physicochemical characteristics, as evidenced by its nanometric average size, low polydispersity, and a zeta potential compatible with system stability. In the biological assays, the treatments demonstrated high biocompatibility, with low cytotoxicity, stimulation of cell proliferation, and, under certain conditions, a cytoprotective effect. Furthermore, relevant antioxidant activity was observed, reinforcing the biological potential of the formulation. Thus, bioactive compounds obtained from olive waste, especially when incorporated into nanoemulsions and combined with olive oil, stand out as an innovative strategy for the valorization of agro-industrial by-products.