Abstract
Second skin is a topically applied, skin-conforming material that mimics human skin properties and bears potential cosmetic and e-skin applications. To successfully integrate with natural skin, characteristics such as color and skin features must be matched. In this work, we prepared bio-based skin-like films from cross-linked keratin/melanin films (KMFs), using a simple fabrication method and non-toxic materials. The films retained their stability in aqueous solutions, showed skin-like mechanical properties, and were homogenous and handleable, with non-granular surfaces and a notable cross-linked structure as determined by attenuated total reflection (ATR). In addition, the combination of keratin and melanin allowed for adjustable tones similar to those of natural human skin. Furthermore, KMFs showed light transmittance and UV-blocking (up to 99%) as a function of melanin content. Finally, keratin/melanin ink (KMI) was used to inkjet-print high-resolution images with natural skin pigmented features. The KMFs and KMI may offer advanced solutions as e-skin or cosmetics platforms.
Highlights
The skin is a versatile organ with multiple physiological functions that is responsive to a fluctuating environment and largely affected by aging, environmental conditions, and diseases
keratin/melanin films (KMFs) fabrication, aggregation waswas avoided by working under under alkaline pH conditions, prevented the reformation of keratin disulfide bonds and alkaline pH conditions, whichwhich prevented the reformation of keratin disulfide bonds and melanin melanin precipitation
As the melaninof films which were of which shadeswere ranging from transparent to dark brown. to Asdark the melanin concentration concentration of KMFs increased, the film transparency decreased
Summary
The skin is a versatile organ with multiple physiological functions that is responsive to a fluctuating environment and largely affected by aging, environmental conditions, and diseases. Second skin is a topically applied, wearable, skin-conforming material that has been developed to address the immense interest in the electronic skin (e-skin) and the cosmetic industries [1,2,3,4], mimicking human skin and its complex properties, e.g., elasticity, tribology, and tactile sensing. The SC layer is responsible for the smooth, shiny, and soft look of healthy skin. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a key second skin material because of its elastic properties, durability, and non-toxicity. The incorporation of color and skin characteristics into wearable skin to provide its desired appearance is obvious, focus on aesthetic properties has fallen short
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