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Photo and Thermal Stable Lignin-Based Sunscreen Microcapsules.
Yuting Xiao1, Xiaojing Li1, Mingsong Zhou1
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Advanced Papermaking and Paper-Based Materials, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510640, China.
Chem & Bio Engineering
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Optimized lignin microcapsules offer enhanced natural sunscreen potential. These microcapsules improve photostability and biocompatibility, leading to effective sun protection factor (SPF) formulations.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Cosmetic Science
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Lignin microcapsules show promise as natural sunscreen agents.
- Poor photostability and biocompatibility of core materials limit current applications.
- Optimization of core formulation is crucial for improved stability and biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the core formulation of lignin microcapsules for enhanced stability and biocompatibility.
- To develop a novel core formulation for lignin microcapsules incorporating four chemical sunscreen actives.
- To evaluate the sun protection factor (SPF) and stability of the developed microcapsule-based sunscreen.
Main Methods:
- Enzymatic hydrolysis lignin (EHL) microcapsules were synthesized using one-step ultrasonic cavitation.
- A novel core formulation containing four chemical sunscreen actives was encapsulated.
- Microcapsule size was optimized, and sunscreen creams were formulated with 10 wt % EHL microcapsules.
Main Results:
- Optimal microcapsules with an average diameter of 383 nm were achieved.
- Formulated creams demonstrated a sun protection factor (SPF) of 147.
- The sunscreen exhibited excellent photo and thermal stability, with only a 14.7% decrease in SPF after 10 hours of UV irradiation and minimal change at 50 °C.
Conclusions:
- Optimized EHL-based microcapsules offer improved photostability and thermal stability.
- The developed microcapsules possess good biocompatibility, enhancing their potential for natural sunscreen applications.
- This research paves the way for advanced natural sunscreen formulations with superior performance and safety.
