One way to reap cosmetic potential out of the same technique might be to inject the particles into the skin or put them in a topical cream.
Another solution could be done during a cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift or eyelift. In those cases, a film with the nanoparticles could be implanted in the skin or transferred to the skin's surface like a transparent toy tattoo. The film could stay there temporarily or permanently to ward off muscle tensions that
cause wrinkles.
But the skin is not a smooth surface to begin with, said Vladimir Tsukruk, professor of materials science and engineering at Georgia
Institute of Technology in Atlanta. It has a complex topography of
pores, hairs and its own protection oily layer.
"It is not obvious
that such a complex 'sandwich' will behave accordingly," he said.
Currently, Lee's team is applying the nanoparticles to various cells
and proteins to see if there are any toxic reactions.
But even if the body
rejects the silica nanoparticles the team is currently using,
Lee thinks other FDA-approved particles could be substituted.
