Composite Nanofiber Face Mask

Series: 3 Production and Characterization of Next-Generation Composite Nanofiber Facial Masks

3. Results and Discussion

*SEM Analysis

Nanofiber formation was observed in all composites. In addition to the polymer, the natural skin moisturizers used and electrospinning working parameters affect the morphologies of composite nanofiber membranes. Nanofiber diameters were calculated for 40 fibers, arithmetic averages were taken to determine the nanofiber diameter distribution range of the samples. The nanofibers of the 10% PVA sample were observed to have irregular orientations and were thick. When ÇO, AV, and SP additives were incorporated into PVA, the fiber diameters of the skin mask nanofiber membranes became finer. The finest nanofiber average in the study was observed in the 10% PVA-2.5% ÇO-2.5% AV-5% SP composite sample with a value of 50-180 nm [12-18]. Table 3.1 presents the diameter distribution range values of the composite nanofiber membranes. SEM images of the skin mask composite nanofiber membranes are shown in Figure 3.1.     [caption id="attachment_141282" align="aligncenter"] Table 3.1. Nanofiber membrane diameter distribution range values[/caption]

*Cell Culture Analysis

Skin mask composite nanofiber membranes were placed in 96-well plates. Mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto the samples in the plates and cell viability values were examined at 24, 48, and 72 hours. The cell viability values of the 10% PVA sample were lower compared to other samples. However, following the addition of ÇO, AV, and SP, cell viability values increased. Due to synergistic effects, when the natural skin moisturizers were combined, cell viability values reached 97% at the end of the 72-hour period [16-23]. The cell live/dead values of the skin mask composite nanofiber membranes at 24, 48, and 72 hours are shown in Table 3.2.   [caption id="attachment_141283" align="aligncenter"] Table 3.2. Cell live/dead values of nanofiber membranes at 24, 48, and 72 hours[/caption]

*Tensile Testing

Tensile strength values of the composite samples were prepared in accordance with ASTM standards and conducted on a tensile test device at a pull rate of 5 mm²/min under room conditions. Samples measuring 1x5 cm were tested three times each and arithmetic average strength values were used as the basis. Although the PVA sample had the lowest strength in the study, when literature studies were reviewed, it showed strength compared to many values in other studies. In our study, as ÇO, AV, SP and their synergistic composite effects were added to PVA, strength values increased. The additives uniformly surrounded the polymer and increased its strength value. In this way, strength increased compared to PVA [20-29].

*Dermatological Test Results

Dermatological testing (Patch Test) of the composite facial mask was performed on five male and five female volunteers to detect allergic or irritant harmful findings on the skin. Results showed no signs of irritation, no dryness occurred, and no edema developed. Data and results were calculated by a specialist dermatologist using the tested cosmetic product information. Table 3.3 shows the dermatological test results for the composite facial mask.   [caption id="attachment_141284" align="aligncenter"] Table 3.3. Dermatological test result for composite facial mask[/caption] Ophthalmological tests (in-vivo, in-vitro), in-vitro skin irritation test, hydration test, skin elasticity test, transepidermal water loss test (TEWL), anti-wrinkle product test, anti-aging product test, smoothing product test, whitening product efficacy test, anti-acne test, mattifying product test, sebum test, collagen production-stimulating product test, comedogenicity test, cell renewal product test, under-eye puffiness reduction product test, makeup removal product efficacy test, brightening efficacy test, sensitization test, mutagenesis (Ames) test, healing efficacy test, and hypoallergenic test were also conducted to examine all aspects of skin, enabling the production of functional composite facial masks and increasing the variety of our composite products that will be groundbreaking in the cosmetics sector [22-25].  

*Toxicology Test Results

Local and systemic effects were examined. Local effect, which is the toxic effect occurring at the first point of contact in the biological system, was found at the ppm level, while systemic effect, which requires absorption and distribution of the toxic substance and is observed after reaching the site of action, was also reported at the ppm level. According to test results, the composite nanofiber facial mask was determined not to sensitize or irritate skin tissue [4-16]. Table 3.4 presents the local and systemic effect results for the composite facial mask. [caption id="attachment_141285" align="aligncenter"] Table 3.4. Local and systemic effect results for composite facial mask[/caption]

4. Conclusions

Successful nanofiber formation was observed in all composite samples. By adding natural skin moisturizers compared to PVA, nanofiber diameters became finer. In addition, electrospinning working parameters can alter the morphologies of the membranes. Electrospinning technology enabled the creation of a paper-like fine hydrogel facial mask that can provide anti-aging, whitening, and anti-wrinkle benefits to users. The finest nanofibers in the study were in the range of 50-180 nm and were observed in the 10% PVA-2.5% ÇO-2.5% AV-5% SP composite sample. When the tensile test values of the samples were examined, the sample containing all substances together had the highest tensile strength of 45.67 MPa, making it the strongest nanocomposite in the study. Within the scope of cell culture studies, all samples were seeded with cells and cell viability was examined at 24, 48, and 72-hour intervals. According to cell viability, the 10% PVA-2.5% ÇO-2.5% AV-5% SP nanocomposite had the highest value with 97% viability at the end of the 72-hour period. As a result of these successful findings, the polymeric matrix-based nanocomposites produced are expected to be used in cosmetic applications as ideal facial masks. Additionally, considering the characteristics of the substances contained in our product as reported in the literature, its use is also envisaged in sectors such as healthcare, textiles, food, agriculture, filtration, and defense.     References [1] Buluş, E., Buluş, G. S., & Yakuphanoglu, F. (2020). Production of polylactic acid-activated charcoal nanofiber membranes for COVID-19 pandemic by electrospinning technique and determination of filtration efficiency. Journal of Materials and Electronic Devices, 4(1), 21-26. [2] Manatunga, D. C., Godakanda, V. U., Herath, H. M. L. P. B., de Silva, R. M., Yeh, C. Y., Chen, J. Y., ... & Nalin de Silva, K. M. (2020). 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M., Akdeniz, B., & Yakuphanoglu, F.   Lecturer Dr. Erdi Buluş Metallurgy and Materials Engineer Senior Materials Technology Specialist Istanbul Arel University ArelPOTKAM (Polymer Technologies and Composite Application and Research Center)   Gülseren Sakarya Buluş Specialist Nurse Istanbul Provincial Health Directorate / Ministry of Health Services Bahçeşehir University / Engineering Management Master's Degree with Thesis Program   Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yeşim Müge Şahin Center Director Istanbul Arel University ArelPOTKAM (Polymer Technologies and Composite Application and Research Center)