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TiO2 nanoparticle-embedded starch-tannin biocomposites with efficient UV-shielding and ROS elimination as Pickering
Zihao Huang1, Jiamin Wang1, Jiawei Hou1
1Sichuan Engineering Research Center for Biomimetic Synthesis of Natural Drugs, School of Life Science and Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, 610031, China.
This study introduces a novel sunscreen using titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles coated with tannic acid and corn starch (TiO2-TA-CS). This formulation enhances UV protection and neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) for improved skin safety.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Conventional titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in sunscreens generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to photocatalytic activity, limiting their safety.
- There is a need for effective and safe inorganic UV filters in sunscreens that mitigate UV-induced skin damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel sunscreen formulation (TiO2-TA-CS) utilizing polysaccharide-polyphenol interactions for enhanced UV protection and safety.
- To investigate the synergistic effects of corn starch (CS) and tannic acid (TA) in improving TiO2 nanoparticle dispersion and neutralizing ROS.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of TiO2 nanoparticles coated with tannic acid and corn starch (TiO2-TA-CS).
- Preparation of TiO2-TA-CS Pickering emulsions.
- Evaluation of UV absorption capacity, ROS scavenging activity, cytotoxicity, UV penetration rate, and SPF value.
- In vitro studies and cell viability assays to assess efficacy against photoaging and UV-induced damage.
Main Results:
- TiO2-TA-CS exhibited enhanced UV absorption and effectively eradicated hydroxyl and superoxide radicals generated by TiO2 nanoparticles.
- TiO2-TA-CS Pickering emulsions showed a 2.5-fold increase in UV absorption capacity with no significant cytotoxicity.
- The formulated sunscreen demonstrated a lower UV penetration rate and higher SPF value compared to commercial products.
- In vitro studies confirmed the mitigation of photoaging and protection against UV-induced skin cell damage.
Conclusions:
- TiO2-TA-CS Pickering emulsions offer a promising new strategy for sun protection due to their enhanced UV absorption and ROS-scavenging capabilities.
- The formulation exhibits favorable biocompatibility, high UV protection, and human skin safety.
- This approach provides a novel strategy for developing advanced sunscreens and potential applications in other medical fields.
