Seaweeds derived ulvan and alginate polysaccharides encapsulated microbeads-Alternate for plastic microbeads in exfoliating cosmetic products

Rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads are banned worldwide owing to its toxic effects on the water bodies. Therefore, novel seaweed polysaccharide-based microbeads are fabricated as an alternative to the plastic microbead, to be used in exfoliating biocosmetic products. A unique combination of sodium alginate from brown algae, ulvan from green algae in a 1:1 ratio exhibited excellent spherical morphology among the biopolymers screened (sodium alginate, carrageenan, and ulvan) and curcumin was loaded to this best combination. The resulting formulation exhibited 99.2% encapsulation efficiency, significant curcumin release (similar to 50% in 30 min), stability and biodegradation with appropriate swelling index. Spectral and thermal analysis showed the inter-action of curcumin and polysaccharides. Microbeads showed good radical scavenging and antimicrobial activity. Cell viability study revealed that 1.2 mg/ml of microbeads was safe dose to be used in skin care products. The microbeads and bio polysaccharides hold an added value by improving the solubility of curcumin. Hence the novel microbeads would be a potential substitute for hazardous plastic microbeads used in exfoliating skincare products, with antioxidant and anti-microbial activity, revitalizing the traditional use of curcumin.