Abstract
The high antimicrobial ability and low toxicity of zinc-aminoclay (ZnAC) are claimed in our previous reports. In this study, we formulate a novel hand gel based on ZnAC and Opuntia humifusa (O. humifusa) extract, which is a high moisturizing agent. The antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, moisturizing effect, and clinical skin irritation of the hand gel are evaluated. The hand gel with 0.5 wt.% ZnAC and 1.0 v/v% O. humifusa extract can kill more than 99% Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) after 24 h. Toxicity evaluation shows that, the hand gel does not affect the viability of mammalian HaCaT cells. Additionally, skin moisture is increased by applying the hand gel while its viscosity is at the standard level of commercial products. The hand gel has a skin irritation index of 0.0 and is classified as a non-irritating product. We successfully formulated hand gel from ZnAC, glucomannan, glycerol, and O. humifusa extract. Owing to the high antimicrobial activity and skin protection of hand gels, they are suitable to be used as hand sanitizers in restaurants, hospitals, and homes effectively.
Highlights
The high antimicrobial ability and low toxicity of zinc-aminoclay (ZnAC) are claimed in our previous reports
This study proved that O. humifusa extracts (OHE) can significantly stimulate hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS) expression to regulate HA synthesis but lower expression of hyaluronidase (HYAL) transcripts in photo-damaged human keratinocytes
Viscosity is typically used as a parameter to determine the suitable formulations, as it has significantly affected some crucial characteristics such as skin feel and spread-ability but might affect the skin penetration of incorporated active agents[36]
Summary
The high antimicrobial ability and low toxicity of zinc-aminoclay (ZnAC) are claimed in our previous reports. We formulate a novel hand gel based on ZnAC and Opuntia humifusa (O. humifusa) extract, which is a high moisturizing agent. The antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, moisturizing effect, and clinical skin irritation of the hand gel are evaluated. Owing to the high antimicrobial activity and skin protection of hand gels, they are suitable to be used as hand sanitizers in restaurants, hospitals, and homes effectively. Skin is a natural barrier to pathogens and hand sanitizers should only be used when necessary, e.g., when hand washing with regular soap is not possible. With the infusion of less polar solvents like ethanol, they can be effectively returned to precipitate form[13] In both biological and environmental applications, aminoclays can interact with the negatively charged lipid membrane of bacteria/algae via electrostatic interaction[13]
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