IgG antibodies, found in the bloodstream, have a natural role in dilating blood vessels.
In the heart of Southern Italy, a major agricultural hub known for its large-scale arugula production, an innovative biotechnological initiative called the "100% RUCOLA" project has been launched. The project aims to valorise arugula agricultural waste by extracting bioactive compounds that can be used as natural ingredients in drugs and cosmetic products.
The project, located in the territory of Piana del Sele, is a testament to circular economy principles, reducing food waste and creating high-value bioproducts from by-products. The objective is clear: to transform what would be discarded biomass into high-quality raw materials for medicines and cosmetics.
The transformation process involves four stages. First, arugula waste, including leaves, stems, roots, and other residues, is collected after harvesting and undergoes cleaning and drying to remove impurities. Next, using green extraction techniques such as enzymatic hydrolysis, supercritical fluid extraction, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, bioactive compounds like glucosinolates, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals are sustainably extracted.
The extracted compounds are then further purified by filtration, centrifugation, or membrane technologies to concentrate active ingredients, creating a standardized, quality-controlled raw material suitable for industrial use. Finally, these extracts are supplied to pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers for various applications. In drugs, arugula-derived compounds may be used for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antimicrobial effects. In cosmetics, these bioactives can be incorporated into skincare products for antioxidant protection and skin rejuvenation.
The benefits of the "100% RUCOLA" project are far-reaching. Waste reduction is a significant advantage, as the project turns agricultural waste into a profitable resource. The process is also sustainable, avoiding chemical solvents and reducing the environmental footprint. The local economy is boosted as the project adds value to the regional agricultural sector. Innovation is another key benefit, as the project provides natural, biotechnologically produced ingredients for the health and beauty industries.
The "100% RUCOLA" project is a collaborative effort involving research centres, sector operators, and agricultural businesses. It has opened up new market channels for the involved parties and could potentially reduce waste in the arugula industry, leading to the production of raw materials for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The project is a prime example of collaboration between agriculture, research, and territory, and it received a funding of 200,000 euros from PSR Campania.
Arugula from Piana del Sele obtained the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) recognition on November 27, 2020. The fourth-generation pole in Piana del Sele specialises in producing ready-to-use, pre-washed vegetables, particularly arugula. The project now allows for the transformation of arugula waste from Piana del Sele IGP into erucic acid through biotechnological processes.
The Piana del Sele includes the municipalities of Battipaglia, Bellizzi, Eboli, Pontecagnano Faiano, and Capaccio Paestum, among others. The goal of the project is to find a sustainable solution for arugula waste, involving the entire arugula agricultural supply chain. The process for the IGP recognition was carried out by a promotional committee, with the support of the Campania Region and the Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policies.
In conclusion, the "100% RUCOLA" project is a groundbreaking initiative that leverages advanced biotechnologies to extract valuable natural compounds from arugula waste, transforming it into high-quality raw materials for medicines and cosmetics. This circular, eco-friendly process enhances sustainability and innovation in agriculture and bioindustry in the Piana del Sele region.
The "100% RUCOLA" project, located in the territories of Piana del Sele, focuses on the extraction of bioactive compounds from arugula waste for use in health-and-wellness products, such as drugs and cosmetics, demonstrating the project's commitment to circular economy principles and innovation in the health-and-exercise, nutrition, and science sectors.
The extracted compounds, including glucosinolates, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals, can be incorporated into various health-and-wellness products. For instance, in drugs, arugula-derived compounds may be utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or antimicrobial effects, while in cosmetics, these bioactives can be integrated into skincare products for antioxidant protection and skin rejuvenation.
