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Human-Hair-Derived Natural Particles as Multifunctional Sunscreen for Effective UV Protection
Sheng Hong1, Zhangwen Peng1, Meiying Wu1
1School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, People's Republic of China.
ACS Nano
|July 24, 2023
Summary
Human hair particles offer natural UV protection and antioxidant benefits, avoiding sunscreen side effects. These hair-derived particles (HDPs) provide a safe, effective alternative for sun protection.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Commercial sunscreens pose potential side effects despite offering UV protection.
- Human hair possesses natural photoprotective properties due to melanin.
- Developing safer, natural alternatives for sunscreens is a significant research area.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extract multifunctional particles from human hair for UV protection.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of hair-derived particles (HDPs) as a sunscreen agent.
- To explore the potential of HDPs as drug carriers and enhance their UV-blocking capability.
Main Methods:
- Extraction of multifunctional particles from human hair.
- In vitro and in vivo testing of HDPs for UV protection and antioxidant activity.
- Assessment of HDPs' skin penetration and toxicity.
- Loading HDPs with octocrylene to enhance UV blocking.
Main Results:
- Hair-derived particles (HDPs) demonstrated effective UV protection in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
- HDPs retained melanin's antioxidant properties, mitigating UV-induced oxidative damage.
- The unique particle shape prevented skin penetration, indicating low toxicity.
- Mesoporous HDPs showed potential as drug carriers, with enhanced UV protection when loaded with octocrylene.
Conclusions:
- Hair-derived particles (HDPs) represent a novel, natural sunscreen agent with photoprotective and antioxidant benefits.
- HDPs offer a safer alternative to commercial sunscreens due to their non-penetrative nature and natural origin.
- The multifunctional nature of HDPs, including their use as drug carriers, highlights their versatility.
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