Transforming second-generation ethanol production waste into sustainable enzymatic cosmetic inputs

Agro-industrial residues were used as a successful, cheap and renewable substrate, capable of increasing activity of ligninolytic enzymes for further use in melanin degradation assays to develop inputs for the treatment of skin hyperpigmentation. The analysis of melanin degradation was performed in a quantitative and qualitative way. The enzymatic crude broth extract, rich in laccases, produced by Marasmiellus palmivorus VE111 in medium formulated with lignocellulosic residues of Araucaria angustifolia subjected to hydrolysis and alcoholic fermentation, degraded almost 33% of the melanin content and enzymatic crude broth extract produced by Pycnoporus sanguineus PR_32 degraded 13%, in just 8 h, using vanillin as a mediator. Proton 2D NMR spectra show melanin changes after laccase treatment. This work has provided an insight for the development of ecofriendly, sustainable and innovative cosmetics to deal with skin hyperpigmentation. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.