Nanofiberization and Characterization of Silk

Abstract

Silk is one of the main ingredients in cosmetics, and its function is skin moisturization and protection of both hair and skin. In this study, a silk nanofiber suspension was prepared using a wet high pressure jet mill, and its properties were evaluated. The suspension was dried and observed using field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and its specific surface area was measured using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. For these results, it was confirmed that the silk was in the form of nanofibers. The silk nanofiber suspension was then mixed with cellulose nanofibers or a carbomer, and changes in its viscoelastic properties were measured. When only a small amount of cellulose nanofibers was added, the viscosity of the suspension increased, but no precipitation was observed. In the case of the suspension being mixed with a carbomer, a silk nanofiber gel could be easily prepared. It was found that prototype cosmetics to which silk nanofibers were added could retain skin moisture for a longer time than those without silk nanofibers.