Hydroxyapatite From Kepah Shells (Polymesoda erosa) and Its In Vitro Sunscreen Activity

Sunscreen innovation from natural ingredients is needed, because there are many advantages obtained from the use of these natural ingredients, such as the absence of side effects, and easy to obtain. Kepah shells (Polymesoda erosa) are found in Cilacap, Central Java. Kepah shells containing calcium carbonate can be used in the manufacture of hydroxyapatite (HAP). Hydroxyapatite can be used as a sunscreen agent that can effectively absorb the ultraviolet light. Hydroxyapatite was isolated from kepah shells (Polymesoda erosa). The analysis of HAP is done using Fourier Trasform Infra Red (FTIR) spectroscopy to find out functional groups. The sun protection factor (SPF) value of HAP was determined using the spectrophotometric UV-Vis method. FTIR spectra of HAP showed the presence of a hydroxyl group at 3039-3749 cm-1, a phosphate group at 520-621 cm-1 and a carbonate group at 1489-2156 cm-1. HAP from kepah shells has sunscreen potential with minimal protection at a concentration of 200 ppm; and ultra protection at a concentration of 1000 ppm. The average SPF result of HAP 1000 ppm clam shells is 19.23 (ultra protection) and at a concentration of 200 ppm is 0.59 (minimum protection). HAP from kepah shells has the potential to be developed as a sunscreen ingredient. The development of sun protection products still requires further research.