Fabrication of second skin from keratin and melanin

Chen Nowogrodski, Ido Simon, Shlomo Magdassi, Oded Shoseyov

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Second skin is a topically applied, skin-conforming material that mimics human skin properties and bears potential cosmetic and e-skin applications. To successfully integrate with natural skin, characteristics such as color and skin features must be matched. In this work, we prepared bio-based skin-like films from cross-linked keratin/melanin films (KMFs), using a simple fabrication method and non-toxic materials. The films retained their stability in aqueous solutions, showed skin-like mechanical properties, and were homogenous and handleable, with non-granular surfaces and a notable cross-linked structure as determined by attenuated total reflection (ATR). In addition, the combination of keratin and melanin allowed for adjustable tones similar to those of natural human skin. Furthermore, KMFs showed light transmittance and UV-blocking (up to 99%) as a function of melanin content. Finally, keratin/melanin ink (KMI) was used to inkjet-print high-resolution images with natural skin pigmented features. The KMFs and KMI may offer advanced solutions as e-skin or cosmetics platforms.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2568
Pages (from-to)1-13
Number of pages13
JournalPolymers
Volume12
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Bio-based
  • Cross-linking
  • Films
  • Keratin
  • Melanin
  • Second skin
  • Wearable skin

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Fabrication of second skin from keratin and melanin'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this