Calibrated micro encapsulation of octyl salicylate by polyuria shell via microfluidics: influence of the shell thickness on the UV absorbance

International audienc

Plutonium complexation by phosphonate-functionalized mesoporous silica

MCM-41-type mesoporous silica functionalized with the CMPO-based 'Ac-Phos' silane has been reported in the literature (1) to show good capacity as an acftinide sorbent material, with potential applications in environmental sequestration, aqueous waste separation and/or vitrification, and chemical sensing of actinides in solution. The study explores the complexation of Pu(IV and VI) and other selected actinides and lanthanides by SBA-15 type mesoporous silica functionalized with Ac-Phos. The Pu binding kinetics and binding capacity were determined for both the Ac-Phos functionalized and unmodified SBA-15. They analyzed the binding geometry and redox behavior of Pu(VI) by X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). They discuss the synthesis and characterization of the functionalized mesoporous material, batch sorption experiments, and the detailed analyses of the actinide complexes that are formed. Structural measurements are paired with high-level quantum mechanical modeling to elucidate the binding mechanisms

Minimising the risk posed by TiO2 nanomaterials used in sunscreen throughout the entire product lifecycle

Sunscreens are of emerging concern regarding both human and environmental health. While TiO2 nanoparticles used as UV-blockers may offer a safer alternative to organic filters, their fate and impact and resulting regulation are still under consideration, largely related to the potential risk of nanotechnology-based products. After leaving the skin either through bathing or cleaning, the TiO2 nanomaterials contained in the sunscreen can be released into rivers, lakes, sea shores, and/or sewage treatment plants. Their fate and impact in these different systems is largely determined by the surface properties, i.e. the coating type and lifetime. This project aims to develop the eco-design of sunscreens through the minimization of risks associated with nanomaterials incorporated into the formulation. All stages of the cream life cycle must be considered in this light, from its manufacture to its end of life, through its use by the consumer and its impact on the exposed environment. By considering each development stage of the sunscreen, from the choice of UV-blocker and its integration into a cosmetic formulation, to the knowledge of the risk involved in this choice all along the product lifecycle, an eco-design approach can be achieved and risk can be minimized. The present work combines industrial companies specialising in cosmetic formulation with academic research experts in the fields of exposure, toxicity and lifecycle assessment. Sunscreen fabrication, risk for the consumer by dermal exposure, risk for the direct aquatic environment and risk related to the end of life of the product are as many key steps of the sunscreen lifecycle that were investigated in this project

Lifecycle and ompact of sunscreens using TiO2 nanomaterials

Among cosmetics and personal care products, sunscreen products are of emerging concern regarding both human and environmental health. The fate and impact of mineral nanoparticulate UV-blockers, such as TiO2 nanomaterials, is under consideration from a regulatory perspective due to their potential impact. Once leaving the skin either through bathing or everyday usage and cleaning, the nanomaterials contained in the sunscreen can be released into rivers, lakes, sea shores, and/or sewage treatment plants. The nanomaterial behaviour, fate and impact in these different systems is largely determined by its surface properties, (e.g. the nanomaterial coating type) and lifetime. Here we present the first result of the Eco-SUN research program aimed at developing the eco-design of sunscreens through the minimization of risks associated with nanomaterials incorporated into the formulation. Different stages of the cream lifecycle are considered from its manufacture to its end of life, through its use by the consumer and its impact on the exposed environments. Reducing the potential release and / or toxicity of the nanomaterial from the cream is a decisive criterion for its eco-design. Different relevant TiO2 UV-blockers have been selected to integrate a typical o/w formulation as case studies. The resulting sunscreen were characterised in terms of nanomaterial localisation, sun protection factor and photo-passivation. The risk for the consumer by dermal exposure was assessed using skin biopsies. Inflammation and skin penetration were evaluated. The risk for the aquatic environment directly expose was assessed both in terms of exposure and hazard. The release of nanomaterials from the sunscreen upon normal usage was studied in laboratory through simulated aging procedure. Two biological models, sea urchin and coral colonies, were selected as relevant endpoints to assess the marine ecotoxicity of the byproducts formed. Finally, the risk related to the end of life of the sunscreen through the removal with cleaning water followed by drainage to sewage treatment plants was evaluated by considering two opposite fate scenarios: (i) nanomaterial concentration in sewadge sludge later spread as fertilizer in agriculture, and (ii) nanomaterial suspension maintained in the treated water and released in river water. Thus, fate and impact in soil and river ecosystems were also studied

Eco-SUN for Eco-design of sunscreen using titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Among cosmetics and personal care products, sunscreen products are of emerging concern regarding both human and environmental health. The fate and impact of mineral nanoparticulate UV-blockers, such as TiO2 nanomaterials, is under consideration from a regulatory perspective due to their potential impact. Once leaving the skin either through bathing or everyday usage and cleaning, the nanomaterials contained in the sunscreen can be released into rivers, lakes, sea shores, and/or sewage treatment plants. The nanomaterial behaviour, fate and impact in these different systems is largely determined by its surface properties, (e.g. the nanomaterial coating type) and lifetime. Here we present the first result of the Eco-SUN research program aimed at developing the eco-design of sunscreens through the minimization of risks associated with nanomaterials incorporated into the formulation. Different stages of the cream lifecycle are considered from its manufacture to its end of life, through its use by the consumer and its impact on the exposed environments. Reducing the potential release and / or toxicity of the nanomaterial from the cream is a decisive criterion for its eco-design. Different relevant TiO2 UV-blockers have been selected to integrate a typical o/w formulation as case studies. The resulting sunscreen were characterised in terms of nanomaterial localisation, sun protection factor and photo-passivation. The risk for the consumer by dermal exposure was assessed using skin biopsies. Inflammation and skin penetration were evaluated. The risk for the aquatic environment directly expose was assessed both in terms of exposure and hazard. The release of nanomaterials from the sunscreen upon normal usage was studied in laboratory through simulated aging procedure. Two biological models, sea urchin and coral colonies, were selected as relevant endpoints to assess the marine ecotoxicity of the byproducts formed. Finally, the risk related to the end of life of the sunscreen through the removal with cleaning water followed by drainage to sewage treatment plants was evaluated by considering two opposite fate scenarios: (i) nanomaterial concentration in sewadge sludge later spread as fertilizer in agriculture, and (ii) nanomaterial suspension maintained in the treated water and released in river water. Thus, fate and impact in soil and river ecosystems were also studied