Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have discovered that industrial waste from the beer brewing process – specifically, spent hops – can be effectively...
The research team, comprised of scientists from USP’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF), was motivated by the substantial amount of waste generated by the brewing industry.
According to Daniel Pecoraro Demarque of FCF-USP, spent hops demonstrate greater activity in sunscreen applications compared to hops that haven’t undergone the brewing process.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil have discovered that industrial waste from the beer brewing process – specifically, spent hops – can be effectively incorporated into sunscreen formulations. The multidisciplinary study, detailed in the journal Photochem, suggests a pathway toward more sustainable and affordable cosmetics by utilizing a byproduct often discarded during beer production.
The research team, comprised of scientists from USP’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FCF), was motivated by the substantial amount of waste generated by the brewing industry. Hops, added to beer during both the boiling and fermentation stages, contain bioactive compounds like bitter acids, polyphenols, and essential oils. While not all compounds are extracted during brewing, the discarded hop residue remains a rich source of these beneficial substances, particularly polyphenols known for their antioxidant properties and potential to protect skin from ultraviolet radiation.
Spent Hops Prove More Effective Than Untreated Hops
According to Daniel Pecoraro Demarque of FCF-USP, spent hops demonstrate greater activity in sunscreen applications compared to hops that haven’t undergone the brewing process.
“When we compared spent hops and hops that hadn’t gone through the brewing process, we found that the reused substance is more active, likely due to the elimination of volatile substances,”
Daniel Pecoraro Demarque Brewing Industry Waste
Daniel Pecoraro Demarque of FCF-USP
This increased effectiveness is attributed to the removal of volatile compounds during beer production, concentrating the protective compounds within the waste material.
The study involved an ethanol extraction process applied to the hop residue, followed by chemical analysis to identify and quantify the bioactive components. This process allows for the isolation of the compounds responsible for UV protection, paving the way for their inclusion in sunscreen formulations.
Brewing Industry Waste as a Sustainable Cosmetic Ingredient
The findings highlight the potential for utilizing industrial waste streams to create more sustainable and cost-effective cosmetic products. The brewing industry generates significant quantities of spent hops, and repurposing this material could reduce waste and lower production costs for sunscreen manufacturers. This approach aligns with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable products.
From Instagram — related to Brewing Industry Waste
Hops are incorporated into beer in two distinct phases. The first occurs during the wort boiling process, while the second, known as dry hopping, takes place after fermentation to enhance the beverage’s aroma. It’s during this second phase that a substantial portion of the bioactive compounds remain in the discarded hop flowers, making the waste a valuable resource.
The research was supported by FAPESP (projects 24/01920-0 and 22/08191-9), demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation in sustainable materials and biotechnology within the Brazilian scientific community. The study’s success underscores the potential for interdisciplinary collaboration to address environmental challenges and develop novel applications for industrial byproducts.
How a Dermatologist Applies Sunscreen for Sun Protection | #SHORTS
