New Generation Composite Nanofiber

New Generation Composite Nanofiber Skin Mask Production and Characterization Article Series: 1

Abstract

Like all other industries, the cosmetics sector offers a wide variety of products to enhance quality and meet the demands of consumers who prefer personal care products. Among the many cosmetic formulations, the addition of nanomaterials has improved product quality and is widely used in sunscreen creams, anti-aging creams, hair products, face masks and lipsticks. The cosmetic application of electrospun nanofibers represents a new area that emphasizes the development of face masks or membranes capable of delivering skin care actives [1-3]. In this study, new generation skin masks with moisturizing and cell regeneration properties were obtained using the electrospinning technique combined with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composites containing black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) (DO), aloe vera (AV), and black rice (Oryza sativa) (SP). In addition to morphological (SEM, Scanning Electron Microscopy), biological (cell culture) and mechanical (tensile) characterization studies of the produced nanocomposites, dermatological testing (in vivo patch test) was carried out for sensitive and normal skin types, along with toxicology tests. Based on the study results, the face mask demonstrated properties of an anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, soothing, anti-inflammatory cosmetic product that improves skin condition, prevents skin aging and helps combat free radicals.

1. Introduction

Due to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, society, particularly healthcare professionals, relies heavily on face masks. However, prolonged mask wear prevents adequate skin respiration, causing skin irritation, rashes ranging to eczema, acne and wounds. During pandemic lockdowns and closures, with cosmetic salons shut down, people were unable to perform routine skin care, leading to reduced skin hydration, dead cell accumulation, wrinkles and related problems. Beyond the pandemic, traditional cosmetic treatments—including creams, face masks, sprays, laser therapy, injections and percutaneous feeding—are used as personal care products and methods. These approaches create high costs and require additional procedures depending on individual skin conditions. Consequently, chemical treatments can cause facial paralysis, temporary numbness, permanent disfigurement and additional diseases. Following a literature review, studies on composite face masks produced using nanotechnological electrospinning have increased in recent years. Electrospun composite nanofibers are utilized in cosmetic applications as face masks, under-eye patches and acne patch materials capable of delivering skin care actives [1-5]. Nanofibers enable controlled delivery of bioactive substances such as vitamins to the skin. Due to small fiber diameters, bioactive agents penetrate deeply into the skin and reach the pores. Nanofibers with large surface area exhibit high contact properties. Nanofibers are crucial in cosmetic applications. They can absorb significant quantities of liquid owing to improved properties such as small pore size and high porosity. Nanotechnology enhances the quality of cosmetic products. Demand is growing for the use of nanomaterials including nanoemulsions, nanopigments, nanoliposomes, nanoparticles and nanofibers in cosmetic applications [6-9]. The skin comprises two important layers: the epidermis and the dermis, which rest upon the oily layer called the hypodermis (subcutaneous tissue). Both the epidermis and dermis consist of lower sublayers. The dermal-epidermal junction connects the epidermis to the dermis and is responsible for oxygen exchange, nutrient transport and waste removal between the vascular dermis and the avascular epidermis. The skin, the body's largest organ, covers approximately 2 square meters and can weigh up to 10 kg. While maintaining internal homeostasis, it also functions as a protective barrier against the external environment. Skin care products that provide necessary care, applied to the skin and left for 10-15 minutes are termed face masks. Face masks address intensive moisturizing needs, purify the skin, remove dirt and oil, combat blackheads and eliminate dead skin [2]. Throughout history, plants and seeds have served as healing sources beyond their use as food. Plants and seeds utilized for medicinal purposes have traditionally been employed through trial, coincidence and recommendation [3]. Black cumin (Nigella sativa L.) (DO), a species of the Ranunculaceae family, has been used to treat many diseases since ancient times. It is a small shrub and flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family. Regular DO consumption offers numerous benefits. These include moisturizing dried skin and healing skin cracks. It is used for its positive effects against acne and acne breakouts. It promotes healing of conditions such as psoriasis and is widely used against eczema and other skin disorders. DO consumption brightens the skin and enhances skin appearance and firmness. DO is also widely used against sunburn and sunspots [4]. Aloe Vera (AV), a plant of the Aloaceae family, has recently been used widely owing to its medicinal properties. Previously classified in the Liliaceae family, it was recognized to have medicinal value similar to plants such as garlic, onions and asparagus. The plant resembles a cactus in external appearance. Within the aloe family, approximately 350 medicinal species exist, four of which are AV. Other medicinal aloes include Aloearborescens (Tree Aloe), Aloe fero (Prickly Aloe), Aloe saponaria (Spotted Aloe), Aloe perryi and Curacao Island Aloe [5]. Due to its high potassium content, AV has a healing effect on all wounds and irritations. It is also known to treat sunburns. Its high water and mineral content eliminates worn and pale skin appearance. It demonstrates excellent results in anti-wrinkle care through its collagen (COL) content. Its natural antioxidant and antibacterial properties help soothe and dry acne. With regular use, it eliminates problems such as uneven skin tone and redness. It also possesses skin-lightening properties when used with lemon. AV's sebum-balancing feature makes it effective against shine, the primary concern of oily skin. Additionally, AV, a natural and powerful moisturizer, serves as an essential moisture source for dry skin [6]. Rice is consumed as a staple food in Asian countries. Beyond the most commonly consumed white rice, red and black varieties are available. Due to the antioxidant properties of colored rice, their use in various food production applications has been promoted. Black rice (SP) is obtained from 3-glycoside, which is rich in natural anthocyanin compounds. SP offers numerous nutritional advantages over other rice varieties. SP contains higher levels of protein, vitamins and minerals compared to white rice. Because SP contains more magnesium than white rice, it plays a critical role in cellular energy production, increases the body's energy level and strengthens the immune and nervous systems. Another distinction of SP from white rice is its high antioxidant value. Antioxidants strengthen the immune system and reduce aging effects. These aforementioned substances, which have seen increased applications in recent years, are also suitable for localized use such as skin moisturization in the cosmetic sector and have enabled significant advances in medicine and the medical field [7,8]. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), a biocompatible and water-soluble hydroxy polymer, demonstrates excellent chemical resistance, flexibility, mechanical strength and biodegradability. It forms superior fibrous material with excellent physical and mechanical properties, chemical stability at room temperature, whether used alone or blended with other polymers [9-11]. The electrospinning technique is the process of converting fluid into nano-sized fibers through the application of high-voltage electrical fields to viscous fluids at very low flow rates. These applications employ either polymer solution or polymer melt as the viscous liquid. Solution flowing to the medical syringe tip at a uniform flow rate forms a spherical droplet under surface tension effects. Under electrical forces, this droplet is transferred to a grounded collector at a specific distance as nanofibers through cone formation (Taylor cone) [12]. Composite materials are multiphase structures formed by two or more materials maintaining their own boundaries. Matrix and reinforcement phases are essential components in composite materials. The matrix and reinforcement may differ based on end-use applications, comprising metals, ceramics or polymers. In nanotechnological electrospinning applications, nanofiber membranes are obtained from polymer solutions under electric fields. Composite nanofiber membranes can be produced with a polymer matrix reinforced with ceramic, polymer or metal materials [11-14]. The production and distribution of cosmetic products are not subject to strict regulations comparable to pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, new formulations and new active substances in cosmetic products must undergo dermatological testing to evaluate their efficacy and safety. Cosmetic manufacturers typically select independent laboratories for such analyses. In Turkey, dermatological testing is conducted according to the "Guideline on the Evaluation of Human Skin Compatibility of Cosmetic Products or Raw Materials" published by the Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency. The FDA states that nearly all cosmetics can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), fragrance is the leading cause of cosmetic allergic reactions. Additionally, the AAD notes that over 5,000 different fragrances are used in various cosmetic products including perfume, cologne, skin care products, soaps, shampoos, lipsticks, sunscreens and lotions. Preservatives may be another trigger for allergic reactions in cosmetic products. The most common adverse effect from cosmetic products is contact dermatitis. The primary manifestations of contact dermatitis include symptoms such as redness, scaling, itching, tingling and swelling. Cosmetic products can cause two types of dermatitis.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Occurs only in certain individuals and represents an immune system reaction.

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Can occur in anyone depending on exposure and is more common than allergic contact dermatitis. Current applications involving syringe injection into the skin sometimes result in side effects. These include problems such as paralysis, skin numbness and permanent scar formation. Chemicals used can adversely affect human health; inadequate skin care and the use of carcinogenic substances present additional risks. Many anti-aging treatments and drugs are applied, both topically and through injection. Beyond these concerns, the high cost of existing face masks underscores the importance of this project. Due to the pandemic, all of society, particularly health workers, uses masks and protective equipment. Fabric dyes can cause skin irritation. However, the most significant side effect is the development of allergic reactions. Allergic reactions can become more severe, manifesting as tiny blisters and intense itching on a red, edematous surface that begins at the contact site but may spread to surrounding areas. Given the problems outlined above, materials and production methods that do not cause allergic reactions and skin irritation should be preferred. The nanotechnological electrospinning system is capable of addressing these issues [15-20]. In this study, PVA-AV-DO-SP nanocomposite materials were produced using the electrospinning method. The resulting nanocomposites are considered suitable for use as ideal face masks in cosmetic applications.

References

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