Optimization and Evaluation of Wheat Bran-Derived Antioxidants for Skincare Cosmetic Applications

2026 USDA-NIFA Competitive Research Support

Principal Investigators and affiliations:

• PI: Dr. Yonghui Li, Kansas State University
• Funded: $80,000
  
• Start Date: 1/1/2026
  
• End Date: 8/30/2026
  

Objectives

1. Optimize extraction parameters to maximize yield, antioxidant potency, and skin enzyme inhibitory activity of wheat bran-derived peptides and XOS for cosmetic applications.
   
2. Characterize the chemical composition and functional performance of optimized
   fractions, focusing on attributes relevant to skincare efficacy.
3. Evaluate the anti-aging efficacy of optimized fractions in validated skin cell and tissue models to demonstrate their potential as active cosmetic ingredients.

Expected Project Outcomes

This project will develop optimized extraction technologies in producing antioxidant-rich wheat bran fractions, establish functional and biochemical profiles relevant to cosmetic applications, demonstrate efficacy in anti-aging cell and tissue models, and support value-added utilization of wheat bran in the South-Central region. These expected outcomes will provide the technical foundation required for future formulation studies and commercialization of wheat bran–derived cosmetic ingredients.