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LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Development and Evaluation of an Enzyme-Based Sunscreen

Eriksson Torfgård, Karolina LU (2023) KBTM05 20231
Biotechnology
Biotechnology (MSc)
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), specifically of UVA and UVB, has been associated with the development of both photoaging and photo-carcinogenesis, potentially leading to cancer. The use of sun protection in the form of UV filters is known to minimize these damages. By introducing an enzyme-based sunscreen for daily facial use these damages may be reduced while also providing exfoliation and hydration to the skin. Enzymes as exfoliating agents are gentle compared to mechanical or chemical exfoliating agents and in combination with inorganic UV filters, which in turn are considered more gentle than organic UV filters, this will minimize the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The primary objective of this project is to develop a... (More)
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), specifically of UVA and UVB, has been associated with the development of both photoaging and photo-carcinogenesis, potentially leading to cancer. The use of sun protection in the form of UV filters is known to minimize these damages. By introducing an enzyme-based sunscreen for daily facial use these damages may be reduced while also providing exfoliation and hydration to the skin. Enzymes as exfoliating agents are gentle compared to mechanical or chemical exfoliating agents and in combination with inorganic UV filters, which in turn are considered more gentle than organic UV filters, this will minimize the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The primary objective of this project is to develop a product with favorable cosmetic properties while maintaining enzyme activity and stability, as well as protecting against a broad spectrum of UVR.

Multiple formulations were prepared, each containing protease enzymes and inorganic UV filters and were each evaluated based on the parameters mentioned above. Enzyme activity was assessed by measuring the amount product produced by the of hydrolysis of substrate during a defined time period using a protease assay. The absorbance and transmittance of the formulations were measured to assess their efficiency in shielding against the UV wavelengths. Formulations demonstrating low enzyme stability or unpleasant sensational characteristics were gradually excluded from further development. Consequentially, three samples were further evaluated in the sense of customer satisfaction by volunteer participants testing the samples and answering theoretical and practical questions to gain a better understanding of which formulation to proceed with and potentially introduce to the market. Taking in all aspects evaluated the formulation containing UV filter Z1 has been proved to be the most preferred. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Spending time in the sun can be a wonderful experience, however, it is important to remember how damaging solar radiation can be to our skin. Too much exposure to the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can cause damage to your skin in the form of premature aging and wrinkles along with an increased risk of skin cancer. Protecting yourself from this damaging UVR in the form of protective clothing or sunscreen is therefore crucial. Sunscreen contains special ingredients called UV filters shielding solar radiation from penetrating our skin. There are two main types of UV filters: organic (chemical) filters, which work by absorbing the UVR and converting it into heat, and inorganic (physical) filters which can both absorb but also... (More)
Spending time in the sun can be a wonderful experience, however, it is important to remember how damaging solar radiation can be to our skin. Too much exposure to the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun can cause damage to your skin in the form of premature aging and wrinkles along with an increased risk of skin cancer. Protecting yourself from this damaging UVR in the form of protective clothing or sunscreen is therefore crucial. Sunscreen contains special ingredients called UV filters shielding solar radiation from penetrating our skin. There are two main types of UV filters: organic (chemical) filters, which work by absorbing the UVR and converting it into heat, and inorganic (physical) filters which can both absorb but also reflect and scatter the UVR.

This project strives to develop a daily facial sunscreen while incorporating enzymes into the formulation. Enzymes are biomolecules which help speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. Specifically, the enzymes used in these formulations are called proteases, which break down proteins into smaller parts. Proteases used in cosmetics are often used as exfoliating agents to break down and remove proteins from the skins surface, imitating the natural shedding of dead cells to make the skin smooth and soft. By combining the protective characteristics of sunscreen with the potential benefits of the enzymes this project seeks to create a product which not only minimizes the harmful effects from solar radiation but also incorporating a gentle enzyme based exfoliating action while providing skin hydration. (Less)
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author
Eriksson Torfgård, Karolina LU
supervisor
organization
course
KBTM05 20231
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Enzyme activity, UV-filter, Protease, Biotechnology
language
English
id
9125069
date added to LUP
2024-02-28 13:43:24
date last changed
2024-02-28 13:43:24
@misc{9125069,
  abstract     = {{Ultraviolet radiation (UVR), specifically of UVA and UVB, has been associated with the development of both photoaging and photo-carcinogenesis, potentially leading to cancer. The use of sun protection in the form of UV filters is known to minimize these damages. By introducing an enzyme-based sunscreen for daily facial use these damages may be reduced while also providing exfoliation and hydration to the skin. Enzymes as exfoliating agents are gentle compared to mechanical or chemical exfoliating agents and in combination with inorganic UV filters, which in turn are considered more gentle than organic UV filters, this will minimize the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions. The primary objective of this project is to develop a product with favorable cosmetic properties while maintaining enzyme activity and stability, as well as protecting against a broad spectrum of UVR.

Multiple formulations were prepared, each containing protease enzymes and inorganic UV filters and were each evaluated based on the parameters mentioned above. Enzyme activity was assessed by measuring the amount product produced by the of hydrolysis of substrate during a defined time period using a protease assay. The absorbance and transmittance of the formulations were measured to assess their efficiency in shielding against the UV wavelengths. Formulations demonstrating low enzyme stability or unpleasant sensational characteristics were gradually excluded from further development. Consequentially, three samples were further evaluated in the sense of customer satisfaction by volunteer participants testing the samples and answering theoretical and practical questions to gain a better understanding of which formulation to proceed with and potentially introduce to the market. Taking in all aspects evaluated the formulation containing UV filter Z1 has been proved to be the most preferred.}},
  author       = {{Eriksson Torfgård, Karolina}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Development and Evaluation of an Enzyme-Based Sunscreen}},
  year         = {{2023}},
}