POS4-1188
Multifunctional Sunscreens Incorporating Polydopamine Nanoparticles for UV Protection
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 29, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Hae Jung SON
Boseok KANG
Presenter(s)
Se Rin Koo (Chungnam National University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Commercial sunscreens are generally classified as organic or inorganic UV filters, each with inherent limitations. Organic UV filters effectively absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation but suffer from photodegradation, potential skin irritation, and environmental concerns. Inorganic UV filters exhibit excellent photostability; however, they can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under UV irradiation, leading to oxidative stress and potential toxicity. To overcome these drawbacks, we developed a multifunctional sunscreen based on bio-inspired polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles, which provide broad-spectrum UV protection together with intrinsic antioxidant activity. Quercetin, a natural polyphenol with UVA-absorbing and antioxidant properties, was incorporated to further enhance the photoprotective performance, and the formulation was prepared as an alginate-based emulsion. The resulting emulsion exhibited a stable microstructure with uniformly dispersed PDA nanoparticles, excellent UV-shielding performance across both the UVA and UVB regions, and significantly enhanced antioxidant activity. In addition, the formulation demonstrated low skin irritation potential, highlighting its biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. These findings suggest that PDA nanoparticle-based multifunctional sunscreens offer a promising strategy for developing sustainable, high-performance UV-protective formulations.
