Formulation and characterization of sustainable facial masks from chitosan films with extracts from Amazonian biodiversity

• Grant number: 25/02817-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Cristiana Maria Pedroso Yoshida
• Grantee: Rafaella Puglia Ogata
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The development of bioactive and biodegradable materials has grown exponentially, driven by the search for sustainable practices that combine economic benefits with social and environmental responsibility. Chitosan, a natural polymer derived from crustacean chitin, stands out for its properties, such as the formation of flexible and resistant films, antimicrobial action, biocompatibility and low toxicity. This study proposes the development of antioxidant and antimicrobial skin treatment masks, combining chitosan with copaiba oil and camu-camu, sources of antioxidant compounds and vitamin C, respectively. The incorporation of ZnO nanoparticles into the formulation, recognized for their antimicrobial properties and safety, aims to enhance the antimicrobial action of the final product. As there are not many articles in the literature on camu-camu treatment masks with copaiba oil and zinc oxide nanoparticles, this project has an innovative nature as it offers opportunities to promote the local economy in the Amazon region, as well as expand the skin care market by using natural products with efficient and sustainable active ingredients. The masks will be characterized regarding their mechanical, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties, microstructure and release of bioactive compounds. With potential for application in the cosmetics area, dermatological masks may offer anti-aging and bactericidal/fungicide action.