Preparation of melanoidin/TiO2 composites with improved UV screening ability and suppressed photocatalytic activity for cosmetic application

Abstract Hybridization of TiO2, which efficiently blocks UVB, with melanoidin, which blocks UVA, was performed. TiO2 microspheres were prepared using surfactant assisted sol–gel method and carboxylation on TiO2 surface was proceeded to introduce chemical binder. Then, dihydroxyacetone was grafted onto the surface of TiO2 by esterification to prepare the melanoidin/TiO2 composites through the Maillard reaction between dihydroxyacetone and Arginine. The melanoidin/TiO2 composites showed not only suppressed photocatalytic activity but also provided the broad UV absorption range from 280 to 400 nm. Furthermore, hybrid composites can reduce white cast phenomena of TiO2, suggesting more promising application of TiO2 in cosmetics.