The aim of the present work was to study the encapsulation of Origanum onites L. essential oil (oregano EO) in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) inclusion complexes (ICs), using the co-precipitation method. The formed β-CD–oregano EO ICs were characterized by diverse methods, such as Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), FT-IR spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UV-Vis spectroscopy was used for the determination of the inclusion efficacy and the study of the encapsulated oregano EO release profile. The interactions between host (β-CD) and guest (oregano EO) in the formed ICs were proven by the FT-IR, DSC, TG and NMR analyses. The ICs, which derived from different batches, presented nanoscale size (531.8 ± 7.7 nm and 450.3 ± 11.5 nm, respectively), good size dispersion (0.308 ± 0.062 and 0.484 ± 0.029, respectively) and satisfactory stability in suspension (ζ-potential = −21.5 ± 1.2 mV and −30.7 ± 1.8 mV). Inclusion efficiency reached up to 26%, whereas the oregano EO release from the ICs followed a continuous delivery profile for up to 11 days, based on in vitro experiments. The formed ICs can find diverse applications, such as in the preparation of films for active packaging of food products, in personal care products for the improvement of their properties (e.g., antioxidant, antimicrobial, etc.), as well as in insect repellent products.

Novel fibrous biocomposites comprising ulvan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the green seaweed Ulva rigida, and either polycaprolactone or polyethylene oxide were successfully prepared using the electrospinning technique. The morphology and the chemical composition of the nanofibers were characterized using SEM and FT-IR analyses. Ulvan was found to incorporate well with the co-electrospun biocompatible polymers, conferring on the collective properties of these materials. Such nanofibrous matrices represent potentially useful materials in the biomedical sector as tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, or drug delivery systems.

New systems for the controlled release of 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane and (Z)-7-tetradecenal, the sex pheromones of olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae, and olive moth, Prays oleae, respectively, were developed utilizing electrospun micro/nanofiber matrices from inexpensive, biodegradable polymers, namely polycaprolactone, cellulose acetate and polyhydroxybutyrate. The incorporation of the pheromones in 5, 10 and 20% w/w in the electrospinning polymer blends allowed for the production of fiber mats with variable loading levels and release rates, ensuring however in all cases the release of pheromones for more than 16 weeks. Laboratory bioassays and field trapping tests showed that the fiber mats obtained from electrospinning of polyhydroxybutyrate solution containing 5% w/w 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane and polycaprolactone solution containing 5% w/w (Z)-7-tetradecenal were almost twice as effective in attracting B. oleae and P. oleae males, respectively, in comparison to the positive controls used.

These findings suggest that the MLT-loaded nanofibrous mats developed in this study exhibit a promising profile for treating sleep dysfunctions.

Biomass is defined as organic matter from living organisms represented in all kingdoms. It is recognized to be an excellent source of proteins, polysaccharides and lipids and, as such, embodies a tailored feedstock for new products and processes to apply in green industries. The industrial processes focused on the valorization of terrestrial biomass are well established, but marine sources still represent an untapped resource. Oceans and seas occupy over 70% of the Earth’s surface and are used intensively in worldwide economies through the fishery industry, as logistical routes, for mining ores and exploitation of fossil fuels, among others. All these activities produce waste. The other source of unused biomass derives from the beach wrack or washed-ashore organic material, especially in highly eutrophicated marine ecosystems. The development of high-added-value products from these side streams has been given priority in recent years due to the detection of a broad range of biopolymers, multiple nutrients and functional compounds that could find applications for human consumption or use in livestock/pet food, pharmaceutical and other industries. This review comprises a broad thematic approach in marine waste valorization, addressing the main achievements in marine biotechnology for advancing the circular economy, ranging from bioremediation applications for pollution treatment to energy and valorization for biomedical applications. It also includes a broad overview of the valorization of side streams in three selected case study areas: Norway, Scotland, and the Baltic Sea.