UV Filter Entrapment in Mesoporous Silica Hydrogel: Advanced Skin Protection Against UVA with Reduced Percutaneous Absorption
Introduction
Skin exposure to ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation is a major contributor to premature aging, oxidative stress, and long-term skin damage. Conventional UV filters, while effective, often suffer from issues such as instability, skin penetration, and potential systemic absorption. This research introduces mesoporous silica hydrogel as an advanced carrier system designed to enhance UVA protection while addressing safety concerns related to percutaneous absorption.
Mesoporous Silica as a Functional Carrier
Mesoporous silica possesses a highly ordered pore structure, large surface area, and tunable pore size, making it an ideal material for encapsulating UV filters. In this research, silica acts not only as a physical entrapment matrix but also as a stabilizing agent that improves the performance and durability of UV-active compounds under prolonged UV exposure.
Hydrogel Systems for Skin-Friendly Applications
Hydrogels provide a biocompatible, hydrated environment that closely mimics natural skin conditions. The incorporation of mesoporous silica into hydrogel matrices enhances spreadability, adhesion, and user comfort, making the formulation suitable for topical applications while maintaining controlled release of UV filters at the skin surface.
Minimization of Percutaneous Absorption
A critical focus of this research is reducing the penetration of UV filters into deeper skin layers. Entrapment within mesoporous silica hydrogel limits direct contact between UV filters and the skin, significantly decreasing transdermal migration while preserving effective surface-level photoprotection.
Enhanced UVA Photoprotection and Stability
The mesoporous silica hydrogel system improves the photostability of UV filters by shielding them from direct photodegradation. This results in prolonged UVA protection, reduced formulation breakdown, and improved efficacy compared to conventional sunscreen formulations.
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