Uniform polymer particles formulated with ultraviolet protective materials for the protection of UV sensitive molecules

• UV protection by encapsulation with UV protective materials was examined.
• Particles were exposed to UV radiation and beta-carotene amount analyzed by UV/Vis.
• Particles containing oxybenzone or avobenzone afforded the best protection.
• Oxybenzone or avobenzone protected best overall when combined with vitamin E.
• Other UV absorbers with oxybenzone reduced protection due to photosensitization.

Ultraviolet radiation can cause significant degradation of skin, pharmaceuticals, and other materials. Previous work has shown that encapsulation of ultraviolet sensitive molecules or proximity to protective molecules can provide protection from photo-oxidation. This study explores the protective capacity of uniform polymeric particles containing both ultraviolet sensitive materials (beta-carotene) and ultraviolet protective materials (ultraviolet absorbers oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octyl-4-methoxycinnamate and the antioxidant vitamin E). Oxybenzone and avobenzone provided the most protection when used singly and provided the best protection overall when paired with vitamin E, preserving over 80% of the beta-carotene after 60 min of exposure. Ultraviolet absorber combinations did not show a synergistic effect due to photosensitization.

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