Publication: Fabrication and characterization of biodegradable phbv/pla microbeads for cosmetic exfoliating applications
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Date
2025-08
Authors
Oon, Ye Sheng
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Abstract
This study explores the development of biodegradable microbeads using poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)/polylactic acid (PHBV/PLA) blends exfoliant cosmetic applications. Microbeads were fabricated via an emulsification–solvent evaporation (ESE) method, with different total polymer concentration, stabilizer concentration and ratio of PHBV to PLA. A 5% (w/v) total polymer concentration produced the best results in terms of particle integrity and size uniformity. Among blend ratios, the 90:10 PHBV/PLA composition proved optimal. DSC analysis showed 90:10 exhibit single glass transition temperature (Tg), indicating good miscibility, while higher PLA contents resulted in phase separation and particle defects. However, TGA and DTG showed better thermal properties. A 2% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) concentration was found to be the most effective stabilizer. Quercetin was successfully encapsulated using the optimized formulation. FTIR confirmed this through characteristic quercetin peaks and evidence of hydrogen bonding. Additionally, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%) achieved 74.68% when quercetin concentration kept at 90ppm. Drug release kinetics followed different models: First-order for 50 ppm, and Higuchi for 70 and 90 ppm formulations. Biodegradability tests over 28 days (range: 3–14%, varying by blend ratio) showed faster degradation with higher PLA content, especially in river and sea water. Although increased PLA content improved cleansing performance, it produced a harder, more abrasive texture on the skin. Overall, the 90:10 PHBV/PLA blend offers a promising approach to producing biodegradable microbeads, with favourable structure and encapsulation capabilities. Future work should address drug loading limitations and balance user comfort with performance.