Solid Polyethylene Microspheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics

A recent article in Cosmetics & Toiletries magazine describes the use Solid Polyethylene Mirospheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics.

Flesh Tone Microspheres - Color Matched to Skin Sample

Micropsheres have been used in cosmetics for some time, primarily as fillers and exfoliators. Most recently scientists started to utilize light reflecting properties of microspheres for creating unique optical effects, such as optical blurring and wrinkle filling.  Due to light scattering effects of the spherical surface, formulating with appropriate microspheres can minimize the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone, due to optically reducing contrast on the skin.

The spherical shape and smooth surface of microspheres creates a low friction ball-bearing effect that gives formulations an elegant, silky feel. This ball-bearing effect promotes better blending on the skin and a more natural finish due to the enhanced slip, glide and omnidirectional spreadability, imparting a cream to powder texture. Outstanding roundness also provides lubrication during application, which enhances the tactile experience of a cosmetic product. Continue reading “Solid Polyethylene Microspheres for Effects in Color Cosmetics” »

Measurement Techniques for Electrostatic Charged Microspheres

Electrostatic charge (also known as triboelectric charge) on microparticles and microspheres have been of interest to scientists in chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, drug delivery, displays and other industries for many years. Until recently there were no reliable techniques to measure or quantify electrostatic charge on microparticles, with too many uncontrolled variables the measurements were inconsistent. As a result scientists were treating charging as a black box process, performing the experiments blindly as trial and error. With recent advances in microsphere manufacturing, techniques have been developed that promise not only to quantify the charge on microspheres, but control it in the manufacturing process.

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Electrostatic-based DNA Microarray Offers Medical Diagnostics Capabilities

The uses for microspheres continue to grow, a recent article published by UC-Berkley shows how DNA sequencing can be achieved through the use of statically charged microspheres.   The key breakthrough is that they have been able to achieve a visible result through using the electrostatic repulsion of the microspheres.   A copy of their announcement follows:

Groves,  and members of his research group Nathan Clack and Khalid Salaita, have published a paper on their technique in the journal Nature Biotechnology, which is now available online. The paper is entitled “Electrostatic readout of DNA microarrays with charged microspheres.” Continue reading “Electrostatic-based DNA Microarray Offers Medical Diagnostics Capabilities” »