Improving ultraviolet protection properties of cotton textiles using Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials: an approach for controlling occupational and environmental exposures

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure is one of the most important risk factor among workers. it may stimulate health outcomes such as multiple skin injuries and blinding eye diseases. So, UV protection is mainly important for people who expose to it. Modification of cotton textiles by nanomaterials is a new approach to overcome this problem. So, the aim of this study is to review studies conducted on using ZnO nanoparticles for improving ultraviolet protection of cotton textiles. The search strategy was provided by cochrane guideline. 45 studies were regarded as appropriate. The results show that UPF for textiles has improved by coated ZnO. However, UPF was depended on the physicochemical characteristics of ZnO and textiles such as yarn structure, effect of woven fabric construction, fabric porosity, and impurity of textiles and laundering conditions. Also, plasma technology has improved UPF, it is recommended that more studies be done to achieve better results.

Investigating the Impact of Sun/UV Protection and Ease of Skin Tanning on the Risk of Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: A Mendelian Randomization Study

Purpose

To investigate the potential causal associations between the use of sun/ultraviolet (UV) protection and ease of skin tanning and the risk of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) in European populations.

Methods

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the use of sun/UV protection and ease of skin tanning were selected from the UK Biobank genome-wide association study database consisting of 498,751 European participants. SNPs of PXG were obtained from the FinnGen study including 3424 PXG cases and 326,434 controls. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed to assess the association between the use of sun/UV protection and ease of skin tanning and risk of PXG.

Results

Inverse variance weighted regression of genetic susceptibility predicted that both use of sun/UV protection and ease of skin tanning were potentially positively associated with the decreased risk of PXG in the European ancestry (use of sun/UV protection: odds ratio [OR] = 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.24-0.92; P = 0.028; ease of skin tanning: OR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.97; P = 0.025).

Conclusions

We found genetic evidence supporting a potential causal association between UV protection and a decreased risk of PXG in European population. Further research will help elucidate the underlying mechanisms and promote UV protection for eyes, especially in people with a high risk of PXG.

Enhancement of the Functional Performance of Cotton and Polyester Fabrics upon Treatment with Polymeric Materials Having Different Functional Groups in the Presence of Different Metal Nanoparticles

This work examined the functional properties of three different treated fabrics, cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester, with different polymeric materials (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or chitosan) in the presence and absence of two synthesized metal nanoparticles to impart and enhance fabric properties. Both metal nanoparticles (silver nanoparticle (AgNPs) and Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs)) were synthesized using Psidium guajava Leaves and characterized using different techniques. The different treated fabrics were dyed with Reactive Dye (Syozol red k-3BS) and evaluated for their color strength, fastness properties, ultraviolet protection, antimicrobial activity, and mechanical properties. Results showed that treatment with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), or chitosan enhances the functionality of all fabrics, with improved color strength, UV protection, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, mechanical properties were slightly increased due to the creation of a thin film on the fabric surface. All dyed treated fabrics showed good ultraviolet protection and antimicrobial properties. The K/S of all treated textiles including nanoparticles and polymers was marginally greater than that of the treated materials without polymers. The UPF values demonstrate that the three investigated polymers and both metal nanoparticles enhance the fabrics' ability to block UV radiation and shield people's skin from its damaging effects. All treated textiles had UPF values that are higher than those of untreated textiles. Further research demonstrates that ZnONP-treated textiles exhibited greater UPF values than AgNP-treated textiles when the polymer component was present. Antibacterial examination demonstrated that treated materials had robust microbial resistance. This resistance is diminished by washing, but still prevents bacterial growth more effectively than untreated textiles.

Fabrication of UV-Protective Polyester Fabric with Polysorbate 20 Incorporating Fluorescent Color

Technological advancement leads researchers to develop multifunctional materials. Considering such trends, this study aimed to conjugate dual functionality in a single material to satisfy aesthetic and functional necessities. We investigated the potentiality of polysorbate 20 to perform as an effective ultraviolet absorber to develop UV-protective fabric. Coumarin derivative (Benzoxazolyl type) disperse dyes are well-known as fluorescent colors. On the other hand, luminescence materials are conspicuous and viable for fashion trends. Deliberate utilization of this inherent property of the dye and incorporation of polysorbate fulfilled the need for dual functionality. In addition, the knitted fabric structure enhanced wearing comfort as well. The effect of polysorbate consolidated the PET fabric as an excellent UV absorber, exhibiting an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 53.71 and a blocking percentage of more than 95% for both UVA and UVB. Surface morphology was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with attenuated mode was used to investigate chemical modification. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigated the crystallography of the surface. Reflectance spectrophotometric analysis unveiled the color strength (K/S) of the dyed polyester fabrics. Finally, light fastness assessment revealed that the developed samples could resist a certain amount of photo fading under a controlled testing environment with the increment of ratings towards betterment.

An Assessment on the Efficiency of Clothing with UV Protection among the Spanish Navy School Students

Concern about the harmful effects that ultraviolet (UV) rays have on the skin of people who are routinely exposed to solar radiation has driven the industry of skin protection creams, sunglasses and clothing. Spanish Navy personnel are subject to different levels of exposure depending on their rank and function. The objective of this research is to analyze the behavioral variables associated to the effects on the skin caused by UV rays, denoted by the combined effects of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity, on their decision to purchase and wear uniforms with UV protection. A confirmatory analysis using a structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed on a sample of 100 respondents. The model results revealed a strong mediating characteristic of the intention to use, variable associated with the exogenous variables. Attitude towards the use of clothing and social influence, as well as the exogenous variable clothing action planning, on the sun protective clothing use during tactical maneuvers. These relationships were significant with p-values close to zero. However, exogenous variables related to perceived susceptibility and perceived severity in exposure to sunlight did not represent a significant influence when mediated by self-efficacy in use. The results revealed the consequence of awareness about the importance of protecting oneself and the influence that usage habits can have on the military with respect to the decision to purchase uniforms with UV protection.

DOPO-Decorated Two-Dimensional MXene Nanosheets for Flame-Retardant, Ultraviolet-Protective, and Reinforced Polylactide Composites

This study presents a novel and facile strategy for fabricating fire-resistant, ultraviolet (UV)-shielding, and tensile-enhanced polylactide (PLA) composites using two-dimensional (2D) MXene (Ti₃C₂) flakes chemically modified with 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO). The thermal and burning performances of PLA composites were demonstrated by the limiting oxygen index, UL-94 test, and cone calorimetry. The UV-shielding and tensile performances were also examined. The results revealed that PLA/Ti₃C₂-DOPO (3 wt %) displayed a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test. The enhancement against fire hazard was reflected by the significant reduction in the peak heat release rate (33.7%), total heat release (47%), peak CO production (58.8%), and total smoke production (41.7%). The improved fire-safety performance of the composites is attributed to the interplay of catalytic, barrier, and condensed effects of the Ti₃C₂-DOPO nanosheets in the PLA matrix. PLA/Ti₃C₂-DOPO also showed an increase (∼9%) in tensile strength and an "Excellent" level (UPF 50+) in the UV-protection assessment. In all, this study introduces a novel chemical modification strategy for 2D MXene flakes to fabricate multifunctional PLA composites, which are promising candidates for next-generation sustainable and protective plastic products.

Effect of nanoparticles on color stability and mechanical and biological properties of maxillofacial silicone elastomer: A systematic review

Aim:

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of addition of various nanoparticles into maxillofacial silicone elastomer on color stability and mechanical and biological properties of the silicone elastomer.

Settings and Design:

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines(PRISMA).

Materials and Methods:

The electronic database search in MEDLINE/PubMed was based on population (silicone elastomer), intervention (nanoparticles), comparison (unreinforced silicone elastomer with nanoparticle-reinforced silicone elastomer), outcome (color stability and mechanical, physical, and biological properties), i.e., PICO framework. The key words used are (”maxillofacial silicone” OR “silicone elastomer” OR “facial silicone”) AND (”nanoparticles” OR “Nano-oxides”) AND (”colour stability” OR “Hardness,” “tensile strength” OR “tear strength” OR “antifungal activity”).

Results:

The database search resulted in 2099 studies, of which 2066 articles were excluded as they were irrelevant, duplicates, and data were not available. The remaining 33 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, out of which 2 articles were in Chinese language, 3 articles were thesis documents, and 8 were review articles. A total of 12 articles were excluded and the remaining 20 articles were included. One article was yielded by hand search of references of included studies. A total of 21 studies were included in the present systematic review.

Conclusion:

With the available evidence in the literature, it can be concluded that addition of nanoparticles at various concentrations may improve the physical and mechanical properties and color stability of the prosthesis made from the silicone elastomers.

Multifunctional Moth-Eye TiO2/PDMS Pads with High Transmittance and UV Filtering

This work reports a facile fabrication method for constructing multifunctional moth-eye TiO₂/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pads using soft nano-imprinting lithography and a gas-phase-deposited thin sacrificial layer. Mesoporous TiO₂ nanoparticles act as an effective UV filter, completely blocking high-energy UVB light and partially blocking UVA light and forming a robust TiO₂/PDMS composite pad by allowing the PDMS solution to easily fill the porous TiO₂ network. The paraboloid-shaped moth-eye nanostructures provided high transparency in the visible spectrum and also have self-cleaning effects because of nanoroughness on the surface. Furthermore, we successfully achieved a desired multiscale-patterned surface by partially curing select regions using TiO₂/PDMS pads with partial UVA ray blockers. The ability to fabricate multifunctional polymeric pads is advantageous for satisfying increasing demands for flexible and wearable electronics, displays, and solar cells.

Skin Hyperpigmentation in Indian Population: Insights and Best Practice

Skin pigmentation is one of the most strikingly variable phenotypes in humans, therefore making cutaneous pigmentation disorders frequent symptoms manifesting in a multitude of forms. The most common among them include lentigines, postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, dark eye circles, and melasma. Variability of skin tones throughout the world is well-documented, some skin tones being reported as more susceptible to pigmentation disorders than others, especially in Asia and India. Furthermore, exposure to ultraviolet radiation is known to trigger or exacerbate pigmentation disorders. Preventive strategies for photoprotection and treatment modalities including topical and other medical approaches have been adopted by dermatologists to mitigate these disorders. This review article outlines the current knowledge on pigmentation disorders including pathophysiology, molecular profiling, and therapeutic options with a special focus on the Indian population.

Orientation to the sun by animals and its interaction with crypsis

Orientation with respect to the sun has been observed in a wide range of species and has generally been interpreted in terms of thermoregulation and/or ultraviolet (UV) protection. For countershaded animals, orientation with respect to the sun may also result from the pressure to exploit the gradient of coloration optimally to enhance crypsis.

Here, we use computational modelling to predict the optimal countershading pattern for an oriented body. We assess how camouflage performance declines as orientation varies using a computational model that incorporates realistic lighting environments.

Once an optimal countershading pattern for crypsis has been chosen, we determine separately how UV protection/irradiation and solar thermal inflow fluctuate with orientation.

We show that body orientations that could optimally use countershading to enhance crypsis are very similar to those that allow optimal solar heat inflow and UV protection.

Our findings suggest that crypsis has been overlooked as a selective pressure on orientation and that new experiments should be designed to tease apart the respective roles of these different selective pressures. We propose potential experiments that could achieve this.

Discovering the link between nutrition and skin aging

Skin has been reported to reflect the general inner-health status and aging. Nutrition and its reflection on skin has always been an interesting topic for scientists and physicians throughout the centuries worldwide. Vitamins, carotenoids, tocopherols, flavonoids and a variety of plant extracts have been reported to possess potent anti-oxidant properties and have been widely used in the skin care industry either as topically applied agents or oral supplements in an attempt to prolong youthful skin appearance. This review will provide an overview of the current literature "linking" nutrition with skin aging.