Nanotech research could uncover new ways of formulating multifunctional products

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Nanotech research could uncover new ways of formulating multifunctional products
New research has come to light that could optimize the manner in which liquid formulations dry, enhancing both the application and efficacy of sunscreens and other beauty products.

Researchers at the University of Surrey, England, and Université Claude Bernard, France,  have been investigating how liquid formulations dry on a nano level, and they say their findings could have implications for a wide range of liquid-based products, including many in the beauty industry.

The research, which has been published in the journal Physical Review Letters, describes the discovery of a new mechanism that separates particles according to their size during the drying of wet coatings.

Formulation of multi action products

The researchers used computer simulation and material experiments to illustrate how coatings of liquid-based formulation with different particles size dry to form two different layers.

The scientists point out that this discovery could be used to formulate products with dual actions, and in skin care products, this could point to formulations with barrier protection, alongside other skin care properties.

"When coatings such as paint, ink or even outer layers on tablets are made, they work by spreading a liquid containing solid particles onto a surface, and allowing the liquid to evaporate,”​ said Dr Andrea Fortini, of the University of Surrey and lead author.

This is nothing new, but what is exciting is that we've shown that during evaporation, the small particles push away the larger ones, remaining at the top surface whilst the larger are pushed to bottom. This happens naturally."

Optimizing sunscreens

Dr. Fortini also makes specific notes about sunscreens in his research, believing that the findings could help optimize formulations because of the “self-layering” that has been observed.

“In a sunscreen, most of the sunlight-blocking particles could be designed to push their way to the top, leaving particles that can adhere to the skin near the bottom of the coating,”​ said Dr. Fortini.

“Typically the particles used in coatings have sizes that are 1000 times smaller than the width of a human hair so engineering these coatings takes place at a microscopic level. "

The research project is currently ongoing, with the team stating that they are now  focusing on how to control the width of the layers by changing the type and amount of small particles in the coating and exploring their use in other products.

Related topics Formulation & science Skin care

Related news

Related products

show more

Discover Peptan for Beauty & Diverse Skins

Discover Peptan for Beauty & Diverse Skins

Content provided by Rousselot | 05-Sep-2024 | Product Brochure

As beauty from within solutions soar in popularity, manufacturers need to be able to serve everyone, no matter their ethnicity or skin type.

FucoSkin®: Ocean-Inspired Sustainable Beauty

FucoSkin®: Ocean-Inspired Sustainable Beauty

Content provided by Hi-Q Marine Biotech International Ltd | 28-Aug-2024 | White Paper

FucoSkin® is a fucoidan-rich extract derived from the brown seaweed Laminaria Japonica, known for its excellent anti-aging and photoprotective benefits....

See our latest innovations in personal care

See our latest innovations in personal care

Content provided by Covation Bio™ PDO | 02-Apr-2024 | White Paper

At CovationBio PDO, we’re helping the world achieve its sustainability goals by enabling better performing, better-for-the planet products across a range...

Collagen Reimagined, Discover Biodesigned Type XXI

Collagen Reimagined, Discover Biodesigned Type XXI

Content provided by Geltor | 20-Mar-2024 | Product Brochure

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein and a mainstream ingredient for beauty. Type XXI collagen transcends a common protein into a powerful bioactive

Related suppliers

Follow us

Products

View more

Webinars

Podcast