Ordered mesoporous silica and ZnO-TiO2 with potential applications in cosmetics

Abstract

Nanomaterials have been attracted much interest in the scientific community due to their differentiated properties due to the reduction in size when compared to massive materials. Among these materials we can found metallic oxide nanoparticles, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are commonly used in photoprotectors and when incorporated in ordered mesoporous silicas, may present better structural and morphological structural properties. The preparation of composites is favorable, since they provide greater stability and safety to the material, besides, they allow the reduction in the quantity of reagents necessary for the adequate performance in photoprotection, reducing the environmental and economic impacts. In this context, ZnO-TiO2: SBA-15 nanocomposites will be synthesized and characterized in order to find which material has the best physico-chemical properties to be applied in photoprotectors. The materials will be prepared by two synthesis methods: direct synthesis (DS) and post-synthesis (PS) method. The characterization will be performed by high and low angle X-ray diffractometry (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nitrogen adsorption isotherms (NAI), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission (TEM), in vitro sun protection factor (SPF - UV-vis). Efficacy and safety tests will also be performed to analyze the antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and permeation of nanocomposites. In addition, in vivo sun protection factor tests will be performed to verify the feasibility of materials for cosmetic use. (AU)