The Impact of Mesoporous Silica Pore Size on UV Protection Effectiveness in Sunscreen Formulation
- 1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
- 2Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, STIKes Namira Madina, Panyabungan, 22976, Indonesia
- 3Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang, 45363, Indonesia
Abstract
Introduction: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation elevates the risk of skin damage and photoaging; however, topically applied organic UV filters present risks of transdermal absorption. Mesoporous silica offers potential as a topical delivery matrix by accommodating active agents within its structured porosity.
Methods: This study evaluated the effect of SBA-15 mesoporous silica (SM) pore size variations (4, 6, and 12 nm) on the UV protection efficacy and ex vivo skin permeation of Tinosorb M (TM) sunscreen stick formulations. TM was loaded into SBA-15 via solvent evaporation at defined TM:SM ratios. Characterization was conducted using XRD and DSC, and physical stability of the sunscreen sticks (n=3) was evaluated over 28 days. In vitro SPF values and ex vivo skin permeation using Franz diffusion studies (n=3) were measured.
Results: Characterization via XRD and DSC confirmed successful encapsulation and amorphous dispersion of TM within the pores, with Assayed Content (TM Content) peaking in the 12 nm system (3:7 TM:SM ratio). Sunscreen sticks (n=3) maintained physical stability over 28 days. Encapsulation enhanced UV protection, with the 4 nm pore size system achieving the highest SPF value (37.72 vs 34.52 for unencapsulated TM). In Franz diffusion studies (n=3), TM encapsulation in SM reduced transdermal penetration compared to the unencapsulated control, with the lowest cumulative penetration observed in the 4 nm pore system after 6 h.
Discussion: Although in vivo safety and long-term toxicity evaluations remain to be performed, these findings indicate that SBA-15 mesoporous silica can enhance photoprotection while reducing transdermal absorption of Tinosorb M.
Related
- Mesoporous Silica-Supported TiO₂ Composite Sunscreen: Combining Low Whitening, Reduced Photoactivity, and Favorable Cytocompatibility
- Factors Determining the Antimicrobial Effectiveness of Chitosan: A Critical Analysis of the Impact of Molecular Weight and Degree of Deacetylation
- Advances in characterization approaches toward in-depth understanding of microporous and mesoporous materials
- Facile Nitrogen Doping of Electrospun Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers via Urea Addition for Polysulfide-Confining Li-S Cathodes and Interlayers
- Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticle-Based Co-Delivery of a Repellent and an Insecticide for Management of the Asian Citrus Psyllid
BibTeX
@article{sitinjak2026impact,
title = {{The Impact of Mesoporous Silica Pore Size on UV Protection Effectiveness in Sunscreen Formulation}},
author = {Feggy Yustika Sitinjak and Marshella Dhanu Ardhita and Insan Sunan Kurniawansyah and Arif Budiman and Diah Lia Aulifa},
journal = {International Journal of Nanomedicine},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.2147/ijn.s634388},
url = {https://doi.org/10.2147/ijn.s634388},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The Impact of Mesoporous Silica Pore Size on UV Protection Effectiveness in Sunscreen Formulation
AU - Feggy Yustika Sitinjak
AU - Marshella Dhanu Ardhita
AU - Insan Sunan Kurniawansyah
AU - Arif Budiman
AU - Diah Lia Aulifa
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/31
JO - International Journal of Nanomedicine
DO - 10.2147/ijn.s634388
UR - https://doi.org/10.2147/ijn.s634388
AB - Introduction: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation elevates the risk of skin damage and photoaging; however, topically applied organic UV filters present risks of transdermal absorption. Mesoporous silica offers potential as a topical delivery matrix by accommodating active agents within its structured porosity. Methods: This study evaluated the effect of SBA-15 mesoporous silica (SM) pore size variations (4, 6, and 12 nm) on the UV protection efficacy and ex vivo skin permeation of Tinosorb M (TM) sunscreen stick formulations. TM was loaded into SBA-15 via solvent evaporation at defined TM:SM ratios. Characterization was conducted using XRD and DSC, and physical stability of the sunscreen sticks (n=3) was evaluated over 28 days. In vitro SPF values and ex vivo skin permeation using Franz diffusion studies (n=3) were measured. Results: Characterization via XRD and DSC confirmed successful encapsulation and amorphous dispersion of TM within the pores, with Assayed Content (TM Content) peaking in the 12 nm system (3:7 TM:SM ratio). Sunscreen sticks (n=3) maintained physical stability over 28 days. Encapsulation enhanced UV protection, with the 4 nm pore size system achieving the highest SPF value (37.72 vs 34.52 for unencapsulated TM). In Franz diffusion studies (n=3), TM encapsulation in SM reduced transdermal penetration compared to the unencapsulated control, with the lowest cumulative penetration observed in the 4 nm pore system after 6 h. Discussion: Although in vivo safety and long-term toxicity evaluations remain to be performed, these findings indicate that SBA-15 mesoporous silica can enhance photoprotection while reducing transdermal absorption of Tinosorb M.
SN - 1176-9114
SN - 1178-2013
ER -