[nanoPost] Nanostructured calcium silicate for skin care, nutraceuticals and healthcare product

Currently we have a Technician investigating the gas absorption properties of the nano-structured calcium silicate. Gas absorptions studied are of carbon dioxide, ethylene and iodine. The material in question is an amorphous calcium rich silicate with a unique previously not observed nano-structure, which give the material a surface area of up to 600 m^2 per g and an oil absorption (measure of pore volume) of up to seven times its own weight in linseed oil. This combined with the fact that it has a responsive surface that can interact with compounds over various different binding sites makes it highly interesting for absorption and solid support applications.

This means for example that the nano-structured calcium silicate can easily absorb iodine vapour from air; the iodine is bond to the silicate surface and activated due to interaction with the calcium present. This activation raises the oxidation potential of the iodine allowing for applications previously not possible with iodine.

Further it can absorb ethene as released during the ripening process of fruits. The ethylene is either bond or oxidised, the exact mechanism is still unsolved, which extends the shelf life of fruit dramatically. Further posible applications in the field of nutraceuticals and healthcare products are under consideration. The iodine absorbed onto the silicate surface is released slowly, which makes it interesting for applications in wound dressings. Furthermore the silicates oil and moisture absorption capacities make it very interesting for skin care products. If you are interested in a full overview of the range of applications currently under investigation, kindly contact us.