Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite, an Idea for Skin and Oral Defense

Read the full article in the June 2022 digital edition. . .

The pandemic and related quarantine generated, in the consumers, the need for greater protection—including for skin. New problems have emerged such as itching, dryness and cracking, induced by the daily use of aggressive alcohol-based antiseptics.^1-3 Micro-inflammation, caused by stress, anxiety, poor hygiene and eating habits, which can compromise both the immune system and the microbiota.^4-6 Dull skin and premature skin aging also have resulted from higher exposure to blue light from smartphones and other devices.^{7, 8}

COVID-19 has deeply changed consumers’ habits in personal care. A recent study of 2,000 people in the UK demonstrated that two out of three consumers (67%) are more afraid of germs and pay more attention to hygiene now than before the pandemic.^{9, 10} In addition, 61% of consumers worldwide reported they started to use hand sanitizers more frequently now than before the pandemic, due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Cleansing and hygiene habits will last for a long time, due in part to the fear of other potential pandemics.

Terms and topics including immunocosmetic, multi-tasking, beauty and well-being, clean beauty, and clinical beauty are becoming more popular.^11-16 Also, health, safety, well-being and self-care are the new priorities. These represent not only the global market for the next few years, but also a great challenge for the cosmetic sector.

As stated, everyday alcohol-based sanitizers are irritating to the skin. Moreover, they have short action, evaporating quickly after application. As an alternative, the industry has sought to improve the protective role of the skin itself as a primary barrier against microorganisms, pollutants and toxins. Therefore, a product that is not aggressive to skin and that imparts beneficial, lasting protection would represent a turning point.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has become popular in technological research thanks to its multiple applications. As a biomimetic material, it can be used as a pharmaceutical carrier, for prosthetic bones, in aesthetic fillers, as a bioactive coating agent, etc.; furthermore, it represents a model compound to mimic and study the biomineralization process.¹⁷ In relation, calcium hydroxyapatite strongly interacts with viral envelopes, limiting the action of viruses and reducing the probability of infection.¹⁸

Inspired by hydroxyapatite’s benefits, the present work describes the development of a sanitizing and hygiene-focused ingredient to bring lasting antiviral and antimicrobial protection. The compound is comprised mainly of a biomimetic hydroxyapatite (BHA) conjugated with the quaternary ammonium salt (QAC) cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) that also works as a cationic surfactant.

. . .Read more in the June 2022 digital edition. . .

References

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