# Photoprotective Properties of Extracts Derived from Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez Incorporated into Mesoporous TiO2

## TL;DR

Researchers developed a new natural sunscreen using plant extracts in a titanium dioxide matrix, which improved protection and safety.

## Contribution

A novel hybrid sunscreen formulation using Neoglaziovia variegata extracts in mesoporous TiO2 is proposed for enhanced photoprotection.

## Key findings

- Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts showed the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
- Incorporating extracts into TiO2 significantly increased SPF values, showing a synergistic effect.
- Toxicity tests confirmed biocompatibility and safe application of the hybrid formulations.

## Abstract

The development of safe and effective photoprotective
agents has
gained increasing interest in recent years, particularly through the
incorporation of natural compounds into inorganic matrices. In this
study, sunscreen formulations were developed by incorporating Neoglaziovia variegata (Arruda) Mez extracts into
mesoporous TiO2, using different solvent fractions: ethyl
acetate, ethanol, chloroform, and hexane. Structural characterization
confirmed the efficient incorporation of the extracts into the mesoporous
channels of TiO2, without compromising its crystallinity.
Chemical analysis showed that the ethanolic and ethyl acetate extracts
had the highest total phenolic content (1.550 ± 0.041 and 1.346
± 0.004 mg GAE g–1, respectively) and the highest
antioxidant activity (IC50 values of 49.03 ± 1.24
and 59.34 ± 1.44 μg mL–1, respectively).
These results directly correlated with higher Sun Protection Factor
(SPF) values. The pure ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts showed the
highest SPF values, reaching 26 and 10.5, respectively. Notably, the
incorporation of the extracts into TiO2 resulted in a marked
increase in photoprotective efficacy. For example, the chloroform
and hexane extracts, which had isolated SPF values of 3.9 and 1.1,
reached values of 35 and 33, respectively, after incorporation, demonstrating
a synergistic effect between the inorganic matrix and the plant’s
bioactive compounds. Toxicological tests performed on blood agar and Artemia salina indicated that the presence of TiO2 significantly reduced the toxicity of the pure extracts,
demonstrating their biocompatibility. Spreadability tests revealed
good coverage capacity for all formulations, favoring easy and uniform
skin application. These results suggest that the developed hybrid
systems represent a promising and safe alternative for the formulation
of natural sunscreen products.