Production and Characterization of Next-Generation Composite Nanofiber Face Masks

Summary

As in all fields, there is great diversity in the cosmetics field to improve quality and meet the demands of customers who prefer personal care products. Among numerous cosmetic products, the addition of nanomaterials has provided better quality and is widely used in sunscreen creams, anti-aging creams, hair products, face masks and lipsticks. The cosmetic application of electrospun nanofibers is an emerging field of great importance in the development of face masks or membranes that can expose skin care products [1-3]. In this study, new-generation skin masks that can moisturize the skin and contribute to cell renewal were produced via electrospinning technique from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites containing black seed (Nigella sativa L.) (BS), aloe vera (AV), black rice (Oryza sativa) (BR). In addition to characterization studies such as morphological (SEM, Scanning Electron Microscope), biological (cell culture) and mechanical (tensile) properties of the produced nanocomposites, dermatological testing (in-vivo PATCH test) (for sensitive and normal skin) and toxicology tests were performed. When the study results were evaluated, the face mask could exhibit characteristics of cosmetic products that improve skin and prevent skin aging, help fight free radicals, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, soothing, and anti-inflammatory.

1. Introduction

Due to coronavirus (Covid-19), a current problem today, the entire population, especially healthcare workers, uses face masks. However, prolonged mask use prevents the skin tissue from breathing, causing irritation of facial skin, redness progressing to eczema, acne and wounds. Due to the number of cases occurring during the pandemic, closures resulted in cosmetic salons also being closed, preventing the population from performing mask and similar personal care activities, thereby creating problems such as skin oiliness, dead cell formation and wrinkles. In addition to the pandemic, traditional cosmetic applications use products and methods such as creams, face masks, sprays, laser treatment, feeding the skin through injection and similar personal care products. Today, these create high costs and additional processes depending on the skin condition. For this reason, facial paralysis, temporary numbness, permanent deformity and additional diseases occur with the use of chemicals. Following our literature research, in recent years, studies on composite face masks produced with nanotechnological electrospinning technique have been increasing. The use of produced electrospun composite nanofibers in cosmetic applications takes the form of face masks that can expose skin care products, under-eye patches and acne patch materials [1-5]. Through nanofibers, active substances such as vitamins can be transported to the skin in a controlled manner. Through small fiber diameters, bioactive agents that enable deep skin penetration allow the diffusion of these agents into the depths of the pores. Nanofibers with large surface areas can exhibit high contact properties. Nanofibers are of great importance in cosmetic applications. With improved properties such as small pore size and high porosity, they can absorb large amounts of liquid. Nanotechnology provides improvements in the quality of cosmetic products. There is increasing demand for the use of nanomaterials such as nanoemulsions, nanopigments, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles and nanofibers in cosmetic applications [6-9]. The skin consists of two important layers called epidermis and dermis located over a fatty layer called the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). The epidermis and dermis also consist of sublayers. The region connecting the epidermis to the dermis is called the dermal-epidermal junction. The vascular dermis and avascular epidermis are responsible for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste products. The skin, the largest human organ, covers an area equivalent to 2 square metres and can weigh 10 kg. While maintaining internal homeostasis, it also serves as a protective barrier against the external environment. Skin masks are skin care products that provide intensive care needed by the skin and can be applied to the skin and left for 10-15 minutes. Face masks can meet intense moisture needs, cleanse the skin by removing dirt and oil, fight blackheads and remove dead skin [2]. Since ancient times, plants and seeds have been used as a source of healing beyond being food. It is known that plants and seeds used as healing sources were adopted through experimentation, chance and recommendation [3]. Black seed (Nigella sativa L.) (BS), a species of the Ranunculaceae family that has been used to treat many diseases since ancient times, is a flowering plant belonging to the small shrub and wedding flower family. Regular consumption of BS has many benefits. These include: if BS is consumed regularly today, it moisturizes dry skin and is good for skin cracking. It is used because it shows positive effects against acne and pimple formation. It enables the improvement of problems such as psoriasis and is widely used against eczema and skin problems. BS consumption brightens the skin and makes the skin appear more beautiful and tighter. BS consumption is widely used against sunburn or age spots [4]. Aloe Vera (AV) is a plant species of the "Aloaceae" family. This plant, which was thought to be in the "Liliaceae" family in the old classification, has begun to be widely used due to its medicinal properties like medicinal plants with medical value in the lilium family such as garlic, onions and asparagus. The plant appears like a cactus in its external appearance. In the Aloe family, at one-fourth of AV's value, there are approximately 350 species with medicinal value. "Aloe arborescens", "Tree aloe", "Aloe fero", "Spiny aloe", "Aloe saponaria", "Spotted aloe" and "Aloe perryi" and "Curaçao island aloe" are other medicinal values [5]. Due to the high amount of potassium it contains, it has a healing effect on all wounds and irritations. It is known to be good for sunburns. Because it contains high levels of water and minerals, it eliminates worn and dull appearance on the skin. At the same time, with the collagen (COL) in its content, it shows excellent results in anti-wrinkle care. Due to being a natural antioxidant and having antibacterial properties, it helps to calm and dry pimples. With regular use, it eliminates problems such as uneven skin tone and redness. When used together with lemon, it also has skin-lightening properties. Due to its sebum-balancing properties, it is effective against the shine problem, which is the biggest concern of oily skin. Furthermore, AV, a natural and powerful moisturizer, is an indispensable moisture source for dry skin [6]. Rice is consumed as a staple food in Asian countries. In addition to white rice, which is the most consumed, red and black rice varieties also exist. Due to the antioxidant properties of colored rice products, their use in various food production has been supported. Black rice (BR) is obtained from 3-glucoside, which contains rich natural anthocyanin compounds. BR has many advantages compared to other rice colors in terms of nutrition. BR is richer in protein, vitamins and minerals compared to white. BR contains more magnesium compared to white rice, playing a critical role especially in cells' energy production, thus increasing the body's energy level and strengthening immunity and the nervous system. Another difference between BR and white rice is its high antioxidant value. Antioxidants strengthen the body's immune system and reduce the effects of aging. In recent years, the above substances, which have many diverse applications, are suitable for local use such as skin moisturizing in the cosmetics sector and have led to major developments in medicine and medical sectors [7,8]. Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a biologically compatible and water-soluble hydroxyl polymer, has excellent chemical resistance, flexibility, mechanical strength and biodegradability. With excellent physical and mechanical properties, chemical stability at room temperature, it can form excellent fibrous material alone or mixed with other polymers [9-11]. Electrospinning technique is the process of converting viscous liquid into nano-sized fibers by applying voltage in the kilovolt range to viscous liquids at very low flow rates. In these applications, polymer solution or melt is used as the viscous liquid. The solution coming to the tip of the medical syringe at regular flow rates forms a spherical droplet under the effect of surface tensions, and here, under the effect of electrical forces, it is transferred as a nanofiber to a grounded collector at a certain distance, becoming conical (taylor cone) [12]. Composite materials are multi-phase structures created by two or more materials while maintaining their own boundaries. In composite materials, the essential elements are the matrix and the reinforcement. The matrix and reinforcement material may differ depending on the field of application, whether metal, ceramic or polymer. In nanotechnological electrospinning technique, nanofiber membranes are also obtained from polymer solutions through an electrical field. Composite nanofiber membranes can be produced with polymer-matrix materials and reinforcement of ceramic, polymer or metal [11-14]. Cosmetic product production and distribution are not subject to strict regulations like pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, in cosmetic products, new formulations and new active substances must be dermatologically tested to evaluate their effectiveness and safety. Cosmetic manufacturers generally prefer independent laboratories for these types of analyses. In Turkey, dermatological testing is performed according to the "Guide on Evaluation of Human Skin Compatibility of Cosmetic Products or Raw Materials" published by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. The FDA states that almost all cosmetics can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is the number one cause of cosmetic allergic reactions. Additionally, AAD states that there are more than 5,000 basic fragrances used in various cosmetic products including perfumes, colognes, skin care products, soaps, shampoos, lipsticks, sunscreen creams and lotions, and that preservatives in cosmetic products can be another trigger for allergic reactions. The most common adverse effect seen in cosmetic products is contact dermatitis. The most prominent characteristics of contact dermatitis are redness, scaling, itching, stinging and swelling. Cosmetic products cause 2 types of dermatitis. Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Occurs in only some individuals and is an immune system reaction. Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Can occur in everyone depending on exposure and is more common than allergic contact dermatitis. In current applications, injection into the skin is performed with a syringe and this sometimes causes side effects. Issues such as paralysis, numbness in the skin, non-healing wounds are problematic. The negative effects of the chemicals used on human health, insufficient skin care and the use of carcinogenic substances are concerns. Many materials and drugs for delaying aging are consumed orally, applied and coated. In addition, the high cost of existing face masks also demonstrates the importance of this project. Due to the pandemic, the entire population, especially healthcare workers, uses mask protective equipment. Dyes in fabrics can cause skin irritation. However, the most important side effect is the development of allergic reaction. Allergic reaction begins at the site of contact but is not limited to this area and can spread to surrounding areas, manifesting as redness, small fluid accumulations on an edematous base and severe itching, and can gradually intensify. Due to the problems mentioned above, materials and production methods that will not cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin should be preferred. The nanotechnological electrospinning system is of the quality to eliminate exactly these problems [15-20]. In this study, PVA-AV-BS-BR nanocomposite materials were produced using the electrospinning method. It is considered that the produced nanocomposites will be used as ideal face masks in cosmetic applications.  

Sources / References

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Erdi Buluş

Metallurgy and Materials Engineer Senior Materials Technology Specialist Istanbul Arel University ArelPOTKAM (Polymer Technologies and Composite Application and Research Centre)

Gülseren Sakarya Buluş

Specialist Nurse Silivri District Health Directorate Bahçeşehir University Graduate Education Institute Engineering Management Thesis Master's Programme

Assoc. Prof. Yeşim Müge Şahin

Centre Director Istanbul Arel University ArelPOTKAM (Polymer Technologies and Composite Application and Research Centre)