Faraneh Fathi

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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are naturally occurring molecules that can kill bacteria in ways that resist conventional antibiotic resistance, but their clinical use is limited by toxicity, poor stability, and the ability of bacteria to develop countermeasures. This review analyzes five AMPs that have reached clinical trials, examining why resistance and side effects have slowed their approval, and identifies how modifying peptide structure—through amino acid substitutions or conjugation with polymers—can overcome these barriers. Structural engineering of AMPs represents a practical path toward new antibiotics that are both safer and more durable.

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Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed at a late stage because current blood tests lack sufficient sensitivity, and this review evaluates how biosensors—optical, electrochemical, and point-of-care—combined with a wider panel of biomarkers can improve early detection. Optical biosensors can detect ovarian cancer proteins at femtogram-per-milliliter concentrations, and miniaturized microfluidic devices could eventually allow fast, simultaneous testing for multiple markers. Translating these tools from the lab to the clinic remains the main challenge.

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Two radiotherapy planning strategies were compared for treating bone metastases in the pelvis and lower spine using a modern radiotherapy machine. The three-isocenter approach produced substantially more uniform dose delivery—42% better homogeneity—and better sparing of healthy tissue compared to the single-isocenter method, though it requires more careful patient positioning. These findings can help radiation oncologists choose more effective treatment plans for patients with metastatic bone disease.

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A new micelle-based delivery system was engineered to carry two plant-derived antioxidants, resveratrol and rutin, simultaneously within a single nanoparticle. The two compounds naturally segregate inside the micelle due to their different chemical properties—one sitting in the oily core and the other at the water-oil interface—achieving encapsulation efficiency above 98% for both. This dual-loading approach could improve the delivery of antioxidant compounds for skin or systemic therapeutic applications.

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Researchers encapsulated two types of beneficial soil bacteria in layered shells made from food-grade polymers—alginate, whey protein, apricot gum, and pectin—to protect them during storage and release them gradually in soil. The multilayer capsules kept over 90% of bacteria alive after six months and outperformed simpler two-layer versions. This encapsulation method could make bacterial biofertilizers more practical and reliable for farmers seeking to reduce chemical fertilizer use.

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Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is an optical technology that detects how molecules bind to a sensor surface in real time without needing dyes or labels, and this review examines how it can be adapted to detect multiple disease biomarkers simultaneously. Advances in sensor design, materials, and machine learning have pushed sensitivity to extremely low concentrations and enabled the detection of cancer, cardiac, and other disease markers in a single test. Multiplexed SPR has the potential to give clinicians a more complete disease picture from a single blood sample.

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Scientists developed a CRISPR gene-editing method that removes both copies of a T cell's built-in receptor genes before inserting a new, cancer-targeting receptor, preventing the two types of receptors from interfering with each other. The engineered T cells showed stronger tumor killing and prevented graft-versus-host disease in mouse models, and the method also worked for T cells targeting insulin-producing cells relevant to type 1 diabetes research. This platform offers a safer and more effective approach to cell-based therapies for both cancer and autoimmune diseases.

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Researchers built a new brain imaging system that uses brief pulses of laser light and a high-speed camera to measure blood flow in different layers of the brain without touching the patient. The system was tested in rats and a piglet with simultaneous pressure monitoring inside the skull, revealing how blood flow shifts through distinct phases as brain pressure rises. This technology could eventually replace or supplement invasive bedside monitors used to track brain health after injury.

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Surgeons used a combination of frozen bone grafts (treated with liquid nitrogen to kill tumor cells) and a living bone flap transplanted with its blood supply to repair extensive facial bone defects in a patient with a rare bone disorder called fibrous dysplasia. Over one year of follow-up, the reconstructed area healed well, maintaining structural integrity, function, and appearance. This combined approach reduces the risk of tumor recurrence while restoring the face using the patient's own tissue.

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A gene-edited pig kidney was transplanted into a brain-dead human and kept functioning for a planned 61-day study using only standard approved anti-rejection drugs. The kidney maintained stable electrolyte balance and eliminated the need for dialysis, but antibody-mediated rejection emerged on day 33 and was reversed with plasma exchange and complement inhibition. The study shows a minimally modified pig kidney can sustain human-equivalent kidney function and identifies pre-existing immune cells reactive to pig tissue as a key obstacle to long-term success.

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Optical biosensors that detect multiple disease biomarkers simultaneously are reviewed, covering surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence energy transfer, Raman spectroscopy, and photonic crystal approaches. The review explains the physical principles behind each method, the materials used to capture target molecules, and strategies for detecting several biomarkers in a single measurement. Multiplexed optical sensing is positioned to improve diagnosis of complex diseases like cancer, where no single biomarker is sufficient on its own.

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A non-contact brain imaging technique was developed that fires picosecond laser pulses at the head and uses a high-speed gated camera to collect only the photons that have traveled deepest through tissue, enabling blood flow mapping at different brain depths without physically touching the patient. Tests in tissue-mimicking models and live rodents showed the system could map blood flow at sampling rates up to 1 Hz with sub-millimeter resolution on the surface and 1–2 mm resolution in deeper brain regions. With further validation, this approach could become a portable, affordable brain imager for both research and clinical use.

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Liposomes (lipid spheres that mimic cell membranes) and niosomes (similar particles using synthetic surfactants instead of natural lipids) are two well-established delivery vehicles for cancer drugs that improve how drugs reach tumors while reducing toxic side effects. This review compares the two technologies, discussing how their composition, size, and surface modifications affect drug loading, stability, and tumor targeting. Continued optimization of these carriers is essential for improving the effectiveness and safety of cancer chemotherapy.

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Beneficial bacteria used to protect crops from disease must first colonize plant roots and then spread to stems, leaves, and flowers to be effective, and this review maps out the step-by-step process by which biocontrol bacteria establish and maintain their presence inside plants. Key mechanisms include navigating through root channels, using chemical signaling (quorum sensing), and secreting enzymes that enable movement through plant tissue. Understanding these colonization strategies allows researchers to select or engineer bacteria with better plant compatibility and longer-lasting protection.

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A small, wearable brain blood flow sensor was redesigned to use brief laser pulses instead of continuous light, more than doubling the depth of tissue it can probe—from about 7.5 mm to 17.5 mm below the scalp—making it capable of measuring cerebral blood flow in adult humans for the first time with this technology. The device detected expected blood flow changes in the brain during head-tilting experiments in healthy adults. This affordable, fiber-free sensor could enable continuous brain blood flow monitoring outside the hospital.

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Immune cells such as dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and T cells can be genetically or chemically modified to release small membrane-enclosed particles called exosomes that carry immune-activating signals directly to tumors. This review examines how engineering these immune cells changes the properties of their secreted exosomes and whether the resulting particles can activate anti-tumor immunity or reprogram other immune cells in the tumor environment. Modified immune cell-derived exosomes offer a cell-free alternative to direct cell therapy, potentially safer and easier to manufacture at scale.

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A cross-sectional study of 165 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in Tehran found that 37.6% had a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis), with the most common pathogen present in 21% of positive cases. The most frequent nail change was onycholysis (nail lifting from the nail bed), and infection rates varied by gender, age, and cancer type. Cancer patients on chemotherapy represent a high-risk group for nail fungal infections that may go unrecognized during treatment.

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Alginate, a seaweed-derived biopolymer, can encapsulate living bacteria used in biological crop protection and deliver them to plant roots in a controlled, sustained way. This review explains how alginate capsules protect bacteria from soil acidity, temperature extremes, and desiccation while allowing them to gradually migrate to where they are needed. Alginate encapsulation improves the shelf life and field performance of microbial biocontrol agents, supporting sustainable alternatives to chemical pesticides.

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A meta-analysis of 36 clinical trials found that green tea supplementation modestly reduces both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 1 mmHg on average, with stronger effects in people who already have elevated blood pressure and in Asian populations. No clear dose-response relationship was identified, meaning more tea did not consistently mean more benefit. Green tea is best considered a complementary measure for blood pressure management rather than a standalone treatment.

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This review surveys the major types of nanoparticles used to deliver drugs—including polymer-based, lipid-based, inorganic, and carbon-based—covering how each type works, their advantages, and the barriers preventing wider clinical use. Despite the commercial success of nanoparticle medicines (such as mRNA vaccine lipid nanoparticles), challenges including manufacturing consistency, regulatory approval, and long-term safety persist. Progress requires coordinated efforts across materials science, clinical medicine, and regulatory science.

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Thionins are small proteins made by plants that punch holes in the membranes of bacteria and fungi, killing them, and this review examines their potential as natural crop protection agents to reduce reliance on synthetic pesticides. Their broad antimicrobial activity and natural origin make them attractive, but challenges around stability in the environment, specificity, and delivery need to be solved—potentially through encapsulation or targeted release technologies. Deploying thionins as part of integrated pest management could contribute to more sustainable and climate-resilient farming.

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Seed oil from 30 Iranian pomegranate varieties was analyzed for fatty acid content and stability under different storage conditions, with the dominant fatty acid being punicic acid, a compound with known health benefits. When stored under direct sunlight, punicic acid converted to a less desirable trans form, and overall oil quality degraded under oxidative conditions. The study recommends storing pomegranate seed oil at room temperature away from light and air to preserve its nutritional value.

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Callose is a sugar polymer that plants deposit rapidly at infection sites to form a physical barrier against invading pathogens, and this review summarizes recent discoveries about which genes control its production and how plant hormones like salicylic acid regulate the process. Chemical treatments with jasmonic acid can trigger callose production in crops, offering a pesticide-free way to boost disease resistance. Optimizing these strategies across different crops and proving their durability in field conditions remains the key challenge ahead.

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Anthocyanins (natural pigments) from pomegranate juice were concentrated 82-fold using an adsorption resin and then incorporated into polymer fiber films that change color when exposed to ammonia—a gas produced as food spoils. The films showed antioxidant activity up to 72 times higher than unloaded films and responded visibly to ammonia at levels that indicate food deterioration. This provides a low-cost, natural, color-based freshness indicator that could be embedded in food packaging.

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Researchers developed stable lipid nanoparticles loaded with Tucumã oil—a Brazilian plant oil with anti-inflammatory properties—and used a systematic experimental design to optimize the ratio of ingredients for the best particle size, stability, and structural properties. The optimized formulation remained stable at refrigerator, room, and warm temperatures over 28 days. These nanoparticles could serve as a vehicle for delivering anti-inflammatory plant compounds directly to the skin.

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A soil bacterium, Pseudomonas chlororaphis VUPF5, was encapsulated in a shell of sodium alginate and soy protein to protect it from environmental stress and allow slow release in soil, then tested against a fungal disease in pistachio seedlings. Encapsulated bacteria achieved 87% disease control in greenhouse trials, outperforming bacteria applied without encapsulation. This approach demonstrates how encapsulation can turn a promising biocontrol bacterium into a stable, deployable agricultural product.

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An existing brain blood flow imaging system was enhanced by pairing it with an AI model trained to remove photon-scattering noise, allowing it to produce clear images with just 5 frames of data rather than the 100 frames previously needed—a 20-fold speed improvement. The AI-enhanced system still accurately captured deep brain blood flow patterns in live rodents. Faster image acquisition makes this technology more practical for real-time clinical brain monitoring.

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Whole-exome sequencing of a large Kurdish family with hereditary hearing loss identified a mutation in the MITF gene that creates a premature stop signal, producing a shortened, non-functional protein. The same mutation had previously been linked to Waardenburg syndrome—which includes skin and eye pigmentation changes—but affected members of this family had only hearing loss with no pigmentation abnormalities. This finding suggests that the same genetic mutation can produce different symptoms depending on the patient's genetic background, which has implications for diagnosis and genetic counseling.

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A new non-contact optical imaging system was developed to simultaneously map blood flow and oxygen levels across reconstructed skin flaps in rats, addressing a key gap in detecting tissue that will die after mastectomy surgery. The system distinguished between healthy and dying tissue with 80–95% accuracy when blood flow and both forms of hemoglobin were combined into a single predictive model. This technology could become a real-time surgical guide to identify at-risk tissue early enough to prevent flap failure.

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Margatoxin is a peptide isolated from scorpion venom that blocks a specific potassium channel (Kv1.3) found at abnormally high levels in many cancer types and in immune cells implicated in neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. By blocking this channel, margatoxin can inhibit cancer cell growth, spread, and blood vessel formation, as well as reduce harmful immune activity in the nervous system. Its high potency at very low doses makes it a promising candidate for new cancer and neurological disease treatments.

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Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are tiny magnetic particles used in MRI imaging and targeted drug delivery, but their clinical application is limited by toxicity, tendency to clump together, and unpredictable behavior in the body. This review examines how particle size, surface coating, and radiolabeling affect how SPIONs are cleared and how they interact with the immune system. Advances in surface engineering and combination with therapeutic agents could make SPIONs a practical platform for simultaneous imaging and treatment of cancer and other diseases.

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This study tracked how donor-reactive immune cells behaved during a 61-day pig-to-human decedent kidney transplant. Specific T cell clones that attack pig tissue were detected expanding in blood and the organ, and innate immune cells also contributed to rejection. The findings clarify the combined immune barriers that must be overcome before pig-to-human transplants can succeed in living patients.

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Researchers transplanted a pig kidney-thymus combination into a deceased human and tracked the immune response over 61 days. T cells from the recipient infiltrated the organ and specific clones expanded in blood, tissue, and lymph nodes around rejection events. This reveals that T cell-driven rejection of pig organs in humans closely mirrors what happens with human-to-human transplants, informing how future immunosuppression strategies must be designed.

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A lightweight, wearable optical sensor was developed to simultaneously measure brain blood flow and oxygen levels in preterm infants without using optical fibers or requiring the baby to be kept still. The device was validated in piglet models against an established technique and then tested in premature infants during oxygen drop episodes, revealing that brain blood flow and oxygenation fluctuated during these events in ways that did not consistently mirror measurements taken from the body's periphery. This tool could give neonatal intensive care teams direct, continuous brain monitoring data to better manage oxygen therapy and prevent brain injury in premature babies.

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Troponins—proteins released into the blood when heart muscle is damaged—are the gold-standard markers for diagnosing heart attacks, and this review examines how surface plasmon resonance biosensors can detect them faster and at lower concentrations than conventional laboratory immunoassays. SPR sensors work without fluorescent labels, provide real-time binding data, and can be miniaturized for point-of-care use. Bringing SPR-based troponin detection to clinical settings could reduce the time to diagnosis and treatment for acute heart attacks.

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Brief drops in oxygen levels (intermittent hypoxemia) are common in premature infants, and this study tested whether more frequent or prolonged episodes increase the risk of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)—a leading cause of childhood blindness. After accounting for gestational age and birth weight, there was no significant association between intermittent hypoxemia and severe ROP for most of the observation period, but prolonged episodes during weeks 6–10 of life were linked to roughly double the risk. Reducing the duration of low-oxygen episodes during this specific window may help protect preterm infants' vision.

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Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are synthetic materials engineered with binding sites shaped to fit specific target molecules—acting like artificial antibodies—and this review covers their use in cancer biomarker detection, cancer therapy, and antibiotic detection in food. In cancer diagnostics, MIPs detect nucleic acids, proteins, and exosomes with high sensitivity and selectivity; in therapy, they improve drug delivery and photodynamic treatment; and in food safety, they help identify antibiotic residues. Their versatility and stability make them competitive alternatives to biological antibodies across medical and environmental sensing applications.

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Lignin is the tough polymer in plant cell walls that normally acts as a physical barrier against pathogens, and genetic engineering can modify its composition, quantity, or distribution to enhance or redirect plant defenses. Reducing lignin in leaf tissue, for example, can allow antimicrobial compounds to penetrate more effectively, while other modifications can activate signaling pathways that prime the plant's immune system. Lignin modification holds dual promise for crop disease resistance and for making plant biomass easier to process into biofuels.

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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are short proteins that kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses, and their effectiveness depends on specific structural features including net positive charge, hydrophobicity, and amino acid sequence. Natural AMPs face practical limits—they are broken down quickly, can be toxic to human cells, and lack good delivery methods—but synthetic analogs designed to replicate or improve these structural features can overcome these drawbacks. Understanding structure-activity relationships is the foundation for developing synthetic AMPs that are clinically safe and effective.

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Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed in part by detecting specific autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins (anti-CCP), and this review surveys all biosensor platforms developed for this purpose, including optical, electrochemical, and lateral-flow approaches. Newer biosensors based on surface plasmon resonance and electrochemiluminescence offer improved sensitivity and the ability to detect disease earlier than conventional immunoassays. Advances in recognition elements and signal amplification reviewed here point toward next-generation point-of-care diagnostics for rheumatoid arthritis.

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Drug-resistant bacteria are outpacing the development of new conventional antibiotics, and this review surveys natural antibiotic compounds from plants, algae, and other biological sources as an alternative pipeline. It also examines bioinspired delivery systems—such as nanoparticles and lipid carriers—that can improve how these natural compounds reach infection sites and maintain effective concentrations. Combining natural compound discovery with smart delivery systems offers a practical strategy for fighting drug-resistant infections.

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Cardiorenal syndrome—a condition where heart failure and kidney failure worsen each other—requires early detection of two key biomarkers (BNP for heart stress and NGAL for kidney injury), and this review evaluates surface plasmon resonance biosensors as a tool for detecting both. SPR sensors offer real-time, label-free, highly sensitive detection that could identify cardiorenal deterioration earlier than standard laboratory tests. Earlier detection would allow faster intervention and potentially reduce the high death rates associated with this syndrome.

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A new antimicrobial peptide was designed computationally and tested for its ability to help wounds heal by controlling inflammation and stimulating cell movement. The peptide reduced the secretion of TNF-alpha (an inflammation driver) while increasing TGF-beta (a healing promoter), and significantly accelerated the migration and proliferation of skin and connective tissue cells in laboratory scratch tests. Incorporating this peptide into wound dressings could accelerate healing of chronic or infected wounds.

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Levan is a sugar polymer produced by certain bacteria that can trigger and strengthen plant immune defenses against pathogens when applied to crops. This review examines how levan signals plant immunity, its potential uses as a biological crop protectant, and how it could reduce the need for synthetic pesticides. Optimizing how levan is applied in the field and navigating regulatory requirements are the main steps needed before it can be widely used in sustainable farming.

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Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide—a toxic byproduct of plant metabolism—and this review explains how it also plays a central role in coordinating plant immune responses when bacteria or fungi attack. The enzyme influences whether a plant becomes susceptible or resistant to specific pathogens, partly by regulating signaling molecules that activate broader defense responses. Understanding catalase's role in plant-microbe interactions could inform the development of crops with improved disease resistance.

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Many plant compounds with strong antioxidant, antibacterial, or anti-inflammatory activity fail to reach therapeutic concentrations in the body because they are poorly absorbed or rapidly broken down. Loading these phytochemicals into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) or nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) substantially improves their absorption and distribution, as demonstrated by a range of preclinical studies in the areas of cancer, viral infections, neurological protection, and aging. The review also outlines what is required for these formulations to move from the lab toward regulatory approval and commercial products.

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Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are lipid-based particles that can encapsulate plant-derived bioactive compounds and protect them from degradation until they reach their target in the body. This review covers how these particles are made and what ingredients are used, focusing on their ability to deliver plant compounds for pharmaceutical and medical applications. Their biocompatibility, high encapsulation efficiency, and suitability for multiple delivery routes make them attractive platforms for natural compound-based medicines.

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Micelles—tiny spherical particles made of phospholipids—were loaded with two antioxidants (resveratrol and rutin) and then dispersed into gel formulations suitable for applying to skin, with one version incorporating olive pomace waste as part of a circular-economy approach. The gels maintained the structural and flow properties expected of a skin product, and including olive pomace reduced gel viscosity without compromising firmness. This study describes a skin-applicable antioxidant delivery system that incorporates agricultural by-products.