M.E. Becherucci

The general objective of this proposal is to advance the experimental production of a textile material with nutritive and moisturizing properties for human skin, using the invasive algae U. pinnatifida present in the coastal zone of Mar del Plata, Argentina. The project includes the following specific objectives:

1. Develop experimental bilaminate textiles that contain the algae U. pinnatifida.

2. Determine the chemical concentration of micro elements (I, Fe, Cu, Cd, Ni, Hg and Zn), macro elements (Mg, Ca, P, K and Na) and vitamins (E, A and B12) in extracts of U. pinnatifida.

3. Conduct a dermatological irritation assay of U. pinnatifida extract. ($2,530)