Simplified, Cost Effective, and Accurate Calculation of Critical Wavelength via the MATLAB Software

Abstract

The use of sunscreens in our daily lives to reduce UV exposure on our skin is a good measure against photoaging. However, the current active ingredients in the market are not able to cover the entire spectrum range of UVA and UVB. Therefore, broader spectrum compounds are constantly being searched by cosmetic companies to replace the commercially available UV filters. In this study, an experimental model utilizing the MATLAB software was developed to measure a compound’s critical wavelength (λc). The purpose of this research was to ease the cost and speed up the screening of bioactive compounds for photoprotective properties while maintaining accuracy in the process. In this paper, the measurement of caffeic acid, gallic acid, and pinocembrin’s critical wavelength in the MATLAB software was explained in a step-by-step guide. This was done to create an understandable and executable procedure for future researchers to utilize. Subsequently, from the results, the critical wavelength of caffeic acid, gallic acid, and pinocembrin was 378.2nm, 324.6nm, and 364.8nm, respectively. This shows that caffeic acid has the broadest absorbance spectrum, followed by pinocembrin, and finally gallic acid. Thus, it may be possible that caffeic acid might have stronger photoprotective abilities as compared to pinocembrin and gallic acid, based on its critical wavelength.

The Potential of Sky Fruit as an Anti-Aging and Wound Healing Cosmeceutical Agent

“…This analysis was in accordance with the method that we had previously developed, in which photoprotective compounds, such as pinocembrin and caffeic acid, were discovered to have a critical wavelength of 364.8 nm and 378.2 nm, respectively. The data obtained were then in turn compared with existing literature, which further confirmed the accuracy of the test [29]. There are several advantages in conducting this form of analysis: (1) it measures not only the amplitude but also the width of the product's absorption spectrum, (2) the measurement is not affected by the application thickness of the product, and (3) it can account for both UVA and UVB as a single entity in a continuous electromagnetic spectrum [60].…”

“…The absorption spectrum of each fraction and extract were measured based on the methods described by Mahendra et al [29]. Briefly, the extract and its fractions were firstly dissolved in 100% DMSO and their absorbance was read using BioTek Eon UV/Vis spectrophotometer by Fisher Scientific (Waltham, MA, USA) using a UV transmittable 96-well plate from Corning (New York, NY, USA).…”

The Prospects of Swietenia macrophylla King in Skin Care

“…Physical sunscreens are sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide nanoparticles that reflect and scatter UVR, whereas chemical sunscreens are made of organic molecules that absorb UVR energy and emit them as less dangerous wavelengths [41][42][43][44]. Nevertheless, regardless of their classification, the validation of the "blocking" ability of these sunscreens was set by ISO and FDA to have at least a critical wavelength of 370 nm when claiming the title of being a broad-spectrum sunscreen [45][46][47]. This ensures that the sunscreens on the market can cover from 280-370 nm of the sun's wavelength.…”