Surface modified walnut shell derived carbon particles for anti-acne skin treatment

Abstract

Applied materials from bio-wastes are becoming the center of attention for researchers due to convincing concerns for their effectiveness, bio-sustainability, affordability, and environmental friendliness. In this research, different forms of carbon particles (CP) were produced from walnut shells to check their response against acne. Surface chemistry of CPs was modified in two steps: first, by thermal or oxidative-thermal treatment, and second, by biochemical treatment with the drugs triamcinolone acetonide (TA) or hydrocortisone sodium succinate (HSS) at pH 4 and 7. Prepared CPs have been analyzed for their surface chemistry, morphology and bioactivity. With the exception of GTOT, surface modifications have decreased oil absorption capacity and drug release pattern while increasing dispersion, pH and base contents. The GTOT and PTOT-N1 samples exhibited highest oil absorption capacities of 0.137 g/0.05 g and 0.130 g/0.05 g, respectively. Additionally, thermal and thermo-chemical modifications have slightly decreased in-vitro anti-inflammatory activity but substantially decreased cytotoxicity (almost 5–6 folds in comparison to unmodified particles). Anti-inflammatory response has been checked against P. acnes. Among various prepared samples, it was observed that Bio-PUT-4 and Bio-PTOT-7 exhibited the most significant levels of anti-inflammatory activity, at 94.19 % and 93.54 % respectively. Thermally modified samples, additionally, have shown magnetic behavior.