Synthesis and Bioactivity of TiO2/PPy Micelle with Pachyrhizus erosus Extract as UV Absorbent Material

Abstract

Indonesia is a tropical country with high intensity and duration of sunlight throughout over year. The condition causes the average UV index in Indonesia is at the level of 9 up to 11+ so that the power of the sun is extreme invade the human body. This condition makes Indonesia one of the countries with the highest UV index in the world. UV rays exposure can be harmful to humans and become one of the most significant factors causing the existing of skin cancer. Researchers have studied many efforts. Unfortunately, the use of oxidic nanoparticles combined with natural products is not yet explored comprehensively. TiO2 nanoparticles are materials that have excellent absorbability of UV light. In this study the TiO2 nanoparticles as core and combined with Polypyrrole polymer as shell form a micelle structure. The modification of TiO2 nanoparticles with Polypyrrole aims to enhance its UV protection, biocompatibility, and nontoxicity on the body. The addition of Pachyrhizus erosus extract as an enhancer of the efficacy of micelle as UV absorbent agent because it has the phenolic to skin softening properties. The synthesis of micelle TiO2/PPy was performed using in situ method, followed by stirring and sonication process to mix the Pachyrhizus erosus extract with micelle. The XRD analysis of Micelle synthesis shows that the addition of polypyrrole polymer does not affect the crystallinity of TiO2 nanoparticles. The results of testing the antibacterial properties of sunblock samples showed a clear zone with glycerine solvent.