Novel moisturized and antimicrobial hand gel based on zinc-aminoclay and Opuntia humifusa extract

Abstract

The high antimicrobial ability and low toxicity of zinc-aminoclay (ZnAC) are claimed in our previous reports. In this study, we formulate a novel hand gel based on ZnAC and Opuntia humifusa (O. humifusa) extract, which is a high moisturizing agent. The antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity, moisturizing effect, and clinical skin irritation of the hand gel are evaluated. The hand gel with 0.5 wt.% ZnAC and 1.0 v/v% O. humifusa extract can kill more than 99% Escherichia coli (gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive bacteria) after 24 h. Toxicity evaluation shows that, the hand gel does not affect the viability of mammalian HaCaT cells. Additionally, skin moisture is increased by applying the hand gel while its viscosity is at the standard level of commercial products. The hand gel has a skin irritation index of 0.0 and is classified as a non-irritating product. We successfully formulated hand gel from ZnAC, glucomannan, glycerol, and O. humifusa extract. Owing to the high antimicrobial activity and skin protection of hand gels, they are suitable to be used as hand sanitizers in restaurants, hospitals, and homes effectively.

Microalgae Bioactive Compounds to Topical Applications Products—A Review

“…Nonetheless, those products often need to be supplemented with humectants, emollients, or moisturizers to avoid the effects of alcohol, which principally affect the epidermal layer, causing dehydration. Although dry skin does not represent a serious problem, it can lead to complications in the management of dermatological infections [ 132 , 133 ].…”

Hand Sanitizer Gels: Classification, Challenges, and the Future of Multipurpose Hand Hygiene Products

“…Opuntia humifusa extract (OHE) is high in total polyphenols and flavonoids, giving it antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, as well as high moisture retention capabilities [ 107 ]. OHE stimulates the expression of epidermal hyaluronic acid synthases (HAS) and regulates the synthesis of hyaluronic acid (HA), thereby reducing the expression of the hyaluronidase transcript and contributing to skin hydration [ 25 ]. Additionally, OHE has whitening and anti-wrinkle effects.…”

Cactus Endophytic Fungi and Bioprospecting for their Enzymes and Bioactive Molecules: A Systematic Review

“…[7,12,63] The cytochalasins are fungal toxins with cell membrane permeability that exhibit structural diversity and several biological effects, such as cytotoxic, anticancer, antimicrobial and antiparasitic activities, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme in vitro and promotion of lysosomal function. [12,[64][65][66][67][68] 5-methylmelein is a known phytotoxic compound produced by Xylariaceae species, including Biscogniauxia mediterranea. [69,70] In other studies, caprylic acid and 5-methylmelein have shown antifungal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activity.…”

“…[10] Cactaceae also have a long history of use in the Americas for food, decoration and medicinal purposes. [11] In recent years, cacti have been explored in biotechnology as a source of bioactive compounds, used in the production of drugs [12] and as an alternative food. [13] In traditional communities, cacti are widely used for medicinal purposes such as treating diabetes, cholesterol, intestinal parasites, epilepsy, kidney function and improving digestion.…”