2.4.9 Nanoparticles in Sunscreen Creams and Lotions
UV exposure from sunlight is the cause of sunburn and cancer. NPs are getting huge
attention from cosmetic industries because of different unique properties. It was
reported that nano-TiO 2 enhances the sun protection factor (SPF) without causing
stickiness in the creams and lotions. ZnO and TiO 2 NPs in the lotions and creams act
as nano skin blockers as they do not cross the skin and remain outside making a layer
on the skin. These nano-based lotions and creams are very effective for a long time.
ZnO and TiO 2 NPs protect the skin from UV-A and UV-B radiations without
causing any irritation and disrupting the endocrine system. These NPs are transparent and pleasing to touch (Lorenz et al. 2010; Wiesenthal et al. 2011).
2.4.10 Advanced Applications of Nanomaterials
• Metallic NMs are utilized as a strengthening material in alloys to construct
lightweight material with high strength and solidity. These alloys are mainly
used in the automotive sector and aerospace sector. For example, titanium NPs
are employed as an alloying element in steel making it more durable by enhancing
the properties such as strength, temperature, corrosion resistance, and ductility
(Fiiipponi and Sutherland 2012).
• In the field of civil engineering, nanotechnology plays a huge part in providing
improved designs and building methods. Nanotechnology aids in the advancement of the various structural constituents, their properties, strong composition,
lightweight and self-disinfecting surfaces. Saurav (2012) reported that by using
SiO 2 nanopowder instead of using conventional SiO 2 as a part of traditional
concrete, the mechanical properties of the concrete can be increased (Saurav
2012).
• In the field of power production, nanotechnology also plays a significant role, for
example, MnO 2 is utilized in rechargeable batteries (Sayle et al. 2009). TiO 2 films
and nano-silicon are utilized in the formation of thin-film solar cells (O’Regan
and Grätzel 1991). Plastic solar cells or organic solar cells are a type of photovoltaic cell that helps in the conversion of sunlight energy into electrical energy 50Â
times more than conventional cells (Brabec et al. 2001).
• In the field of biomedical, NPs are employed for therapeutic purpose (Giljohann
et al. 2010). Various NPs have antimicrobial and antifungal properties as shown
in Fig. 2.3 (Shrivastava et al. 2007).
• In drug delivery: nanomaterials assist in the target delivery of a drug by entering
the bloodstream, and also improves the delivery of drugs that are poorly soluble in
water (Bahrami et al. 2017; Kumar et al. 2017; Nejat et al. 2017).
2 Nanomaterials; Applications; Implications and Management
33
UV exposure from sunlight is the cause of sunburn and cancer. NPs are getting huge
attention from cosmetic industries because of different unique properties. It was
reported that nano-TiO 2 enhances the sun protection factor (SPF) without causing
stickiness in the creams and lotions. ZnO and TiO 2 NPs in the lotions and creams act
as nano skin blockers as they do not cross the skin and remain outside making a layer
on the skin. These nano-based lotions and creams are very effective for a long time.
ZnO and TiO 2 NPs protect the skin from UV-A and UV-B radiations without
causing any irritation and disrupting the endocrine system. These NPs are transparent and pleasing to touch (Lorenz et al. 2010; Wiesenthal et al. 2011).
2.4.10 Advanced Applications of Nanomaterials
• Metallic NMs are utilized as a strengthening material in alloys to construct
lightweight material with high strength and solidity. These alloys are mainly
used in the automotive sector and aerospace sector. For example, titanium NPs
are employed as an alloying element in steel making it more durable by enhancing
the properties such as strength, temperature, corrosion resistance, and ductility
(Fiiipponi and Sutherland 2012).
• In the field of civil engineering, nanotechnology plays a huge part in providing
improved designs and building methods. Nanotechnology aids in the advancement of the various structural constituents, their properties, strong composition,
lightweight and self-disinfecting surfaces. Saurav (2012) reported that by using
SiO 2 nanopowder instead of using conventional SiO 2 as a part of traditional
concrete, the mechanical properties of the concrete can be increased (Saurav
2012).
• In the field of power production, nanotechnology also plays a significant role, for
example, MnO 2 is utilized in rechargeable batteries (Sayle et al. 2009). TiO 2 films
and nano-silicon are utilized in the formation of thin-film solar cells (O’Regan
and Grätzel 1991). Plastic solar cells or organic solar cells are a type of photovoltaic cell that helps in the conversion of sunlight energy into electrical energy 50Â
times more than conventional cells (Brabec et al. 2001).
• In the field of biomedical, NPs are employed for therapeutic purpose (Giljohann
et al. 2010). Various NPs have antimicrobial and antifungal properties as shown
in Fig. 2.3 (Shrivastava et al. 2007).
• In drug delivery: nanomaterials assist in the target delivery of a drug by entering
the bloodstream, and also improves the delivery of drugs that are poorly soluble in
water (Bahrami et al. 2017; Kumar et al. 2017; Nejat et al. 2017).
2 Nanomaterials; Applications; Implications and Management
33