Human-Hair-Derived Natural Particles as Multifunctional Sunscreen for Effective UV Protection

Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to a seriesof skinproblems. Although commercial sunscreens can protect skin from UV-induceddamage to an extent, the side effects caused by such products arestill worrisome. Here, inspired by the natural photoprotection effectof human hair, we extracted the multifunctional particles from humanhair as sunscreens for UV protection. Both in vitro and in vivo results indicate that hair-derivedparticles (HDPs) could effectively protect skin from UV radiation.Besides, HDPs retain the antioxidant capability of melanin in hair,which avoids UV-induced oxidative damage. In addition, the uniqueshape of HDPs can prevent them from penetrating into the skin, thusavoiding potential toxicity. Moreover, owing to their mesoporous structure,the particles can also be used as drug carriers. With the loadingof octocrylene, the particles are more effective in blocking UV radiation.This study provides an ingenious tactic for the design and developmentof sunscreens from a natural substance.

Automated summary

Extraction of multifunctional particles from human hair provides an ingenious tactic for the design and development of sunscreens, which can effectively protect skin from UV radiation and prevent potential toxicity.