Evaluation of the UV Protection Efficacy of an Engineered Bio-sunscreen Infused with non-nano zinc oxide and Non-nano Titanium dioxide
Chemistry- Grade:
- 10
- Teacher:
- Alfred Santos
Sunscreen applications have been proven to be extremely effective and important. Every year, 3.6 million cases of skin cancer from the ultraviolet radiation from the sun in the United States have been reported. Therefore, we have decided to focus our project on UV protection with bio sunscreen infused with titanium dioxide and non-nano zinc oxide. To create the bio-sunscreen, we measured ingredients, heated water, and melted the wet components in a water bath. Once combined, we stirred in the non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The mixture was then transferred to a sterile glass container to set before testing with a Nuelog UV sensor. The bio-sunscreen demonstrated strong broadband UV protection, blocking approximately 83.77% of UVA radiation and 99.66% of UVB radiation, based on intensity measurements. The UVB blocking efficiency corresponds to an estimated SPF 50+ equivalent protection, indicating a strong protection performance.