Investigation of chitosan based materials for cosmetics applications
Event Type
Research Presentation
Academic Department
Chemistry
Location
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Start Date
26-4-2024 1:30 PM
End Date
26-4-2024 3:00 PM
Description
Under the direction of Dr. Brian J. Reeves
This project confronts the issue of daily plastic (polyethylene) usage in rinse-off cleansing cosmetics by investigating the use of a biodegradable biopolymer chitosan as a key replacement ingredient. Chitin is sourced from crab and shrimp shells, and deacetylated chitin is known as chitosan. Several chitosan films and emulsions were prepared to determine the difference in properties between polyol plasticizers. A balm cleanser base was prepared to incorporate varying concentrations of chitosan and chitosan solution. These samples were analyzed using a microscope to detect any noticeable changes in appearance after the addition of chitosan to the formula. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of chitosan and other functional groups in the films. The next step will be to test the cleansing power of each sample. If chitosan can increase cleansing effectiveness and be a suitable replacement for polyethylene, it can be brought up to companies who still use polyethylene in their formulas. Thus, eliminating a source of microplastic pollution from the cosmetics industry.
Investigation of chitosan based materials for cosmetics applications
Dana Science Building, 2nd floor
Under the direction of Dr. Brian J. Reeves
This project confronts the issue of daily plastic (polyethylene) usage in rinse-off cleansing cosmetics by investigating the use of a biodegradable biopolymer chitosan as a key replacement ingredient. Chitin is sourced from crab and shrimp shells, and deacetylated chitin is known as chitosan. Several chitosan films and emulsions were prepared to determine the difference in properties between polyol plasticizers. A balm cleanser base was prepared to incorporate varying concentrations of chitosan and chitosan solution. These samples were analyzed using a microscope to detect any noticeable changes in appearance after the addition of chitosan to the formula. Infrared spectroscopy indicated the presence of chitosan and other functional groups in the films. The next step will be to test the cleansing power of each sample. If chitosan can increase cleansing effectiveness and be a suitable replacement for polyethylene, it can be brought up to companies who still use polyethylene in their formulas. Thus, eliminating a source of microplastic pollution from the cosmetics industry.