WO2023086460A1

WO2023086460A1 - Graphene-containing hair care products

Info

Publication number: WO2023086460A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/049530
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joe F. LOOSE; Robert Gruschow
Original assignee: Ovidium Llc
Priority date: 2021-11-11
Filing date: 2022-11-10
Publication date: 2023-05-19

Abstract

A hair care composition according to certain embodiments includes a biocomposite including a first form of graphene constituent and an additional constituent. In certain embodiments, the biocomposite further comprises a second form of graphene constituent different from the first form of graphene constituent. In certain embodiments, the composition is one of a shampoo, a conditioner, a gel, a cream, a mousse, a styling oil, a hair spray, or a pomade.

Description

GRAPHENE-CONTAINING HAIR CARE PRODUCTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 63/278,273, filed November 11, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to hair care products, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to hair care products comprising one or more graphene constituents.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Hair care products are often used for styling, treating, cleansing and conditioning one’s hair. Such hair care products include, for example, hair styling and grooming products, hair treatments, shampoos, conditioners, and others. While a goal of some such products is to improve the health and/or appearance of the hair, there remains room for improvement in this area. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field.

SUMMARY

[0004] An example embodiment relates to a hair care product composition comprising at least one graphene constituent. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0005] Fig. 1 is a bar graph charting the surface static charge of hair swatches that are uncoated, coated with commercial hair dye, and coated with varying levels of chitosan and r-GO.

[0006] Fig. 2 includes images taken with an infrared camera showing the thermal profiles of bundles of uncoated hair, graphene-coated hair (0.25 wt %), and hair treated with commercial black dye during (A) heating and (B) cooling.

[0007] Fig. 3 is a bar graph demonstrating the durability of graphene coated hair swatches with regards to retaining its static dissipative qualities over carbon black-commercial dye coated swatches.

[0008] Fig. 4 is a chart of UV-vis spectra showing that r-GO has much higher optical adsorption than GO in both the UV and visible ranges; the inset shows a magnified view of the spectra between 400 and 700 nm.

[0009] Fig. 5 includes scanning electron microscope images showing the surfaces of uncoated and coated hair (0.25 wt %).

[0010] Fig. 6 illustrates a graphene-infused liposome and a graphene-infused lipid nanoparticle.

[0011] Fig. 7 illustrates a graphene-infused PEGylated phospholipid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.

[0013] References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0014] Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of “A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0015] In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other features.

[0016] As used herein, the term “about” may be used to modify a quantitative representation that may permissibly vary from the indicated quantity. In certain embodiments, the term “about” may indicate a permissible variance of 10%. For example, a description that a particular form of graphene constituent has an average platelet size of “about five microns” may indicate that the average platelet size is in the range of 4.5 microns to 5.5 microns.

[0017] Certain embodiments of the present application relate to consumable hair care products, such as hair styling and grooming products, hair treatments, shampoos, and conditioners. As used herein, the term “consumable” indicates that the product is intended to be applied to the hair once, and distinguishes from reusable hair care products, such as combs, brushes, berets, and other hair care products that are not consumed or exhausted during the use thereof.

[0018] Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a consumable hair care product composition comprising at least one graphene constituent or ingredient. The graphene constituent may include one or more of graphene nanoparticles (GNP), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (r-GO), graphene via chemical vapor deposition, and any other form of graphene materials known in the industry. It should be appreciated that while certain embodiments are described herein with respect to graphene constituents, other embodiments may include constituents of another carbon allotrope. Further details regarding alternative carbon allotropes are provided herein.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the hair care product composition further comprises at least one additional constituent, such as mineral oil, chitin, chitosan, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Research has shown that mineral oil may help moisturize skin, and some industry experts posit that mineral oil can also moisturize hair by creating a barrier on the surface of the hair that water cannot penetrate. The application of mineral oil to hair may additionally or alternatively help reduce tangles and/or prevent hair from breaking by acting as a lubricant. [0020] In certain forms, the at least one graphene constituent and the at least one additional constituent are provided in the form of a biocomposite such as a biopolymer. Biopolymers are complexes of hyaluronic acid and other polymers, and can deliver benefits to the skin and hair. Hyaluronic acid and other polymers may be combined to form complex networks that provide unique and synergistic activities not exhibited by the individual components.

[0021] By dispersing these biocomposites, and/or mixtures, for example in the form of an oil, biopolymer, and/or biopolymer hybrid, into a personal hair care product or treatment, the hair receiving these products will exhibit increased tensile strength, greater elasticity, decreased static retention, increased thermal conductivity (decreased drying time), increased infrared emissivity, UVA and UVB protection, and increased hydrophobicity and lubricity due to the inherent characteristics of graphene.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a liposome, or a liposomebiopolymer hybrid. Liposomes are microscopic sacs, and are frequently produced artificially to act as a delivery vehicle for carrying therapeutic substances. In certain cosmetic and hair care formulations, liposomes are used as a delivery system, carrying active ingredients to the deeper layers of the epidermis and cuticle layers of the hair. Conventional liposomes still face many challenges associated with the poor physical and chemical stability and loss of encapsulated cargo. Integration of versatile functional biopolymers/liposome hybrids has emerged as an attractive strategy to overcome the limitation of usage of liposomes on their own. The present application addresses these challenges by introducing the use of biopolymer-liposome hybrid systems, including (but not limited to) surface-modified liposomes, biopolymer-incorporated liposomes, guest-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposome, liposome-in-hydrogel, liposome-in-film, and liposome-in-nanofiber as qualified carriers and delivery agents of graphene nano-materials. The physicochemical principles and key technical information underlying the combined strategies for the fabrication of polymeric liposomes, the advantages and limitations of each of the systems, and the stabilization mechanisms have been discussed through various case studies, and need not be repeated herein.

[0023] As noted above, compositions according to certain embodiments include a graphene constituent such as graphene nanoparticles (GNP), graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (r-GO), and/or other forms of graphene. Graphene nanoplatelets and reduced graphene oxide can be used to create water-based and polymer-based formulations to form smooth and continuous coatings on the hair, and/or can be introduced to the internal structure of the hair via nanoscale carriers. This not only obviates the use of toxic, small molecular ingredients that are common in many personal care products, but also may render new properties of the hair for enhanced performance, such as improved static dissipation and improved thermal conductivity (and thus reduced drying time). After drying, the graphene enhanced hair care products form a strongly adhering coating on hair surfaces, which can resist repetitive washing with shampoo, and thus reach performance levels beyond products not enhanced with graphene.

[0024] Regarding static dissipation, it should be appreciated that hair is an insulator, and cannot easily dissipate electrostatic charges generated by the triboelectric effect, especially in cold and/or dry weather. Charged hair strands repel each other and can even stand up on end, creating an uncomfortable “flyaway” effect. Molecule-based hair styling products tend to lift up and loosen the seal between the cuticle scales, making it harder for hair to lock moisture and discharge. With their electrical conductivity, graphene-based compositions (e.g., biocomposites) can effectively dissipate electrostatic charges on hair.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 1, illustrated therein is a bar graph charting the surface static charge of hair swatches that are uncoated, coated with commercial hair dye, and coated with varying levels of chitosan and r-GO. As should be evident from inspection of Fig. 1, both uncoated hair and the hair treated with commercial black dye exhibited a drastic response to charging, which was induced by rubbing the hair swatch with a plastic film. In contrast, the graphene coating rendered the hair swatches with excellent antistatic performance to avoid static buildup. The surface static voltages on rubbed hair were measured with a surface DC voltmeter. Figure 1 shows that rubbing induced a surface static voltage of around 5 kV for both the uncoated hair and hair treated with commercial dye, and only about 0.8 and 0.05 kV for hair treated with 0.025 percent by weight and 0.25 percent by weight graphene dye, respectively.

The r-GO/chitosan coated swatches displayed a resistivity on the order of 10⁴ to 10⁵ ohms/square, which is well within the antistatic range of performance.

[0026] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that improving the thermal conductivity of hair can lessen the need for higher temperature styling tools and/or lower the amount of time thermal styling tools are in contact with the hair, which in turn can improve the overall health of the hair. Graphene-based sheets have been shown to improve interfacial thermal transport for a number of engineering applications. Here, coating graphene on hair also led to improved thermal conductance. This was tested by comparing the heating and cooling rates of uncoated hair, graphene-coated hair, and hair treated with commercial dye. All samples were first brought into contact with a heating element set at 36°C, a typical temperature of the human skin.

[0027] With additional reference to Fig. 2, photos taken by an infrared (IR) camera during heating (Figure 2A) show a faster overall temperature increase for graphene-coated hair, which was already more than 3°C warmer than both the uncoated hair and hair treated with commercial dye within the first three seconds of heating. Next, all hair samples were preheated to 36°C, after which the heating element was removed. The snapshots taken with the IR camera (Figure 2B) show that graphene-coated hair samples also dissipated heat faster. Within three seconds of cooling, the overall temperature of graphene-coated hair was already 3 °C lower than those of the other two samples, reaching room temperature more quickly. This temperature difference is believed to demonstrate the significant improvement graphene enhanced hair products have on the thermal conductivity of human hair.

[0028] It has been found that graphene biocomposite materials bond strongly to individual hair strands after drying, and cannot be easily washed off. This feature may be attributed to one or more of the following factors. First, GNP and r-GO sheets are highly flexible as a result of their high aspect ratio, and they can strongly interact with chitosan through hydrogen bonding. This soft sheet-like shape also helps to yield a thin and uniform composite coating after drying. Next, chitosan can bind strongly with keratin, the key structural protein at the surface of hair, through its amino and hydroxyl groups. Chitosan-keratin interaction has often been used to make biomaterial composites.

[0029] Interestingly, chitosan is insoluble in water under near neutral to basic conditions, but becomes soluble in the presence of weak acid such as ascorbic acid. Thus, when excess ascorbic acid (e.g., from a conditioner) is rinsed off the hair after application, the graphene/chitosan coating becomes insoluble. These properties of chitosan (and other suitable biopolymers) make it a very suitable binder for graphene-based hair care products. Figure 3 demonstrates the superior durability of graphene/biopolymer coating versus carbon black/biopolymer coating after thirty washes. As should be evident from Fig. 3, graphene clearly outperforms the accepted industry standard carbon black material in every relevant facet of static dissipation, thermal conductivity, and product durability. [0030] With additional reference to Fig. 4, the ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra in Figure 4 show that r-GO indeed has much stronger absorption than GO (most comparable to carbon black) in both the UV and visible range of wavelengths as a result of partial restoration of the conjugated carbon network after reduction. This is a much simpler and safer formulation than organic hair dyes because it does not contain any toxic molecular or volatile components. An aqueous solution of r-GO can be applied by spraying and combing it onto the hair strands or by being dispersed into a variety of consumable hair care products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, gel, cream, mousse, styling oil, hair spray, pomade, etc.).

[0031] With additional reference to Fig. 5, due to the unique morphology of graphene, hair is encased in a thin sheet of ultra-strong and flexible layer of two-dimensional material that smooths the surface of the cuticle layer of the hair. This ultra-thin layer of graphene particles forms a network of interconnected bonds, which give the hair more slip (lubricity), and increases the strength and elasticity of the individual strands. It also provides a hydrophobic barrier shielding the hair from high humidity environments.

[0032] In certain embodiments, the composition may include a lipid nanoparticle constituent. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) may be utilized as a delivery system to improve the effective delivery of graphene into the hair. One difficulty associated with consumable hair care products is the common range of biological variation of hair types. With the goal of increasing the physiochemical stability of the hair and of incorporating graphene in hair products, solid lipid nanoparticles as well as nanostructured lipid carriers have been found to provide excellent characteristics. Because of their physical stability and compatibility with other ingredients, LNPs can be added to existing formulations without major complications. They have been developed to have an affinity with the overall hair structure, removing imbalances or other disturbances that could occur when hair care products are applied.

[0033] Lipid nanoparticles can form a monolayer film when applied with a hair care product formulation proportional with their small size. As LNPs are hydrophobic compounds, the monolayered thick film has an occlusive effect on the hair capable of retarding the loss of moisture that may otherwise be caused by evaporation. Although experimentation studies cannot fully mimic the natural conditions of moisture loss in the cuticle layer, it has been found that, generally speaking, lower particle sizes provide greater prevention of evaporation. The film layer is formed upon application of lipid particles onto the hair, thus preventing immediate surface evaporation.

[0034] Liposomes and LNPs are similar in design, but slightly different in composition and function. Both are lipid nanoformulations and excellent delivery vehicles, transporting cargo of interest within a protective, outer layer of lipids. In application, however, LNPs can take a variety of forms.

[0035] With additional reference to Fig. 6, traditional liposomes include one or more rings of lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous pocket, but not all LNPs have a contiguous bilayer that would qualify them as lipid vesicles or liposomes. Some LNPs assume a micelle-like structure, encapsulating nano scale materials in a non-aqueous core.

[0036] Lipid nanoparticles are composed primarily of cationic lipids along with other lipid ingredients. These typically include neutral phospholipid molecules belonging to the phosphatidylcholine (PC) class and sterols, such as cholesterol. Another lipid ingredient that may be utilized in certain embodiments is a PEGylated phospholipid, in which a polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer is covalently attached to the head-group of a phospholipid. Fig. 7 illustrates the structure of an example graphene-infused PEGylated phospholipid.

[0037] PEGylation can provide a boost in stability for liposome-like nanostructures.

Conventional liposomes, particularly those smaller than 200 nm in size, can be unstable on their own and tend to fuse with each other to reduce surface tension. This can result in loss of the encapsulated graphene, or unfavorable mixing of different vesicles’ cargo, thus reducing the effectiveness of the formulation. It has been found that this issue may be overcome by covering the exterior of liposomes with a polymer, such as PEG.

[0038] Lipid nanoparticles can also be produced with an optimum pH for topical applications within their lipid matrix. The pH can be optimized to develop a buffer type formulation and avoid strong acidic or alkaline ingredients commonly used in hair care products.

[0039] Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a graphene-infused biocomposite that is dispersed into a consumable hair care product. The hair care product may be a shampoo, conditioner, treatment, or hair styling/grooming product (e.g., gel, cream, mousse, styling oil, hair spray, pomade, etc.) intended to improve the physical condition and/or aesthetic appearance of the hair. [0040] The biocomposite may function to distribute heat, to more evenly distribute heat across a human hair substrate, to protect hair from harmful contaminants, to shield the hair from UVA and UVB radiation, to create a hydrophobic barrier to humidity, and/or to increase the tensile strength and elasticity of the hair. In certain applications, the biocomposite may serve to create a lubricious layer for ease of styling and detangling.

[0041] The biocomposite may include multiple different forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents, for example in powder form or in the form of reduced graphene oxide.

[0042] One form of graphene nano-platelet constituent may have an average specific surface area of 300 m²/g or more, or 320 m²/g or more, or 340 m²/g or more. The first form of graphene nano-platelet constituent may have an average specific surface area of about 980 m²/g or less, 970 m²/g or less, or 960 m²/g or less. In certain embodiments, the average specific surface area of the first form of graphene nano-platelet constituent may be in the range of 340 m²/g to 960 m²/g).

[0043] Another form of graphene nano-platelet constituent may have an average specific surface area of about 10 m²/g or more, or about 12 m²/g or more. In certain embodiments, the average specific surface area of the second form of graphene nano platelet constituent may be about 20 m²/g or less, or 18 m²/g or less. In certain embodiments, the average specific surface area of the second form of graphene nano platelet constituent may be in the range of 10 m²/g to 20 m²/g.

[0044] In certain embodiments, one or more forms of graphene nano-platelet constituent may be a commercially-available graphene nano-platelet constituent. In certain forms, graphene commercially available under the trademark xGnP® Graphene Nanoplatelets from XGSciences® may be utilized. As one example, one or more forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may be of Grade M, which have an average platelet size of about 5 microns (M-5), about 15 microns (M-15), or about 25 microns (M-25), an average specific surface area of about 100 m²/g to about 150 m²/g, an average thickness of about 6 nm to about 8 nm, an average density of about 2.2 g/cm³, a bulk density of less than 0.1 g/cm³, and an average crystalline carbon content of about 95% (atomic). As another example, one or more forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may be of Grade H, which have an average platelet size of about 5 microns (H-5), about 15 microns (H-15), or about 25 microns (H-25), an average specific surface area of about 50 m²/g to about 80 m²/g, an average thickness of about 10 nm to about 14 nm, an average density of about 2.2 g/cm³, a bulk density of less than 0.1 g/cm³, and an average crystalline carbon content of about 95% (atomic). As a further example, one or more forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may be of Grade R, which have an average platelet size of about 7 microns (R-7), about 10 microns (R-10), or about 25 microns (R-25), an average specific surface area of about 30 m²/g to about 60 m²/g, an average thickness of about 16 nm to about 20 nm, an average density of about 2.2 g/cm³, a bulk density of less than 0.1 g/cm³, and an average crystalline carbon content of about 97% (atomic).

[0045] Another form of graphene nano-platelet constituent that may be utilized in certain embodiments is commercially available from Angstron Materials as N002-PDR. Such graphene nano-platelets may have an average particle size in the range of about 3.3 microns to about 3.9 microns (MT10), about 8 microns to about 10 microns (MT50), or about 17 microns to about 20 microns (MT90), an average specific surface area of about 400 m²/g to about 800 m²/g, a density of about 2.2 g/cm³, and a carbon content of about 95% (weight) or greater.

[0046] One or more of the forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may have an average thickness of about 0.6 nm or more, about 0.8 nm or more, or about 1 nm or more. The graphene nano-platelets may have an average thickness of about 35 nm or less, about 30 nm or less, or about 24 nm or less. In certain embodiments, the graphene nano-platelets may have an average thickness in the range of 1 nm to 24 nm.

[0047] One or more of the forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may have an average length and width of 2 microns or more, 3 microns or more, or 4 microns or more. The graphene nano platelets may have an average length and width of 18 microns or less, 14 microns or less, or 12 microns or less. In certain embodiments, the graphene nano-platelets may have an average length and width in a range of 4 microns to 12 microns.

[0048] While certain embodiments have been described with reference to planar graphene and the platelet sizes thereof, it should be appreciated that one or more embodiments may utilize another form of graphene, such as the carbon nanotube (CNT). Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a CNT shares many morphological characteristics with planar graphene, and can be described as planar graphene that has been rolled into a tube-like structure. As such, it should be appreciated that the term “graphene,” as used herein, encompasses both planar graphene and tubular graphene (e.g., carbon nanotubes). For example, certain embodiments may utilize a single wall CNT and/or a CNT with plural walls. One or more walls in a CNT may have a zigzag configuration, and/or one or more walls may have an armchair configuration. [0049] In certain embodiments, one or more forms of graphene constituents may be in the form of “pristine graphene,” comprising more than 97 percent by weight carbon atoms. In certain embodiments, one or more forms of graphene constituents may be in the form of slightly oxidized graphene (greater than or equal to 5 percent by weight oxygen). In certain embodiments, one or more forms of graphene constituents may be in the form of graphene oxide. In certain embodiments, one or more forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may be of a polar grade with average oxygen content in an amount of 5 percent or less by weight, 4.5 percent or less by weight, or 4 percent or less by weight of the total amount of graphene nano-platelets. In certain embodiments, one or more forms of graphene nano-platelet constituents may be of a polar grade with average oxygen content in an amount of 0.1 percent or more by weight, 0.5 percent or more by weight, or 1 percent or more by weight of the total amount of graphene nanoplatelets.

[0050] In certain embodiments, the graphene nano-platelets may be present in the biocomposite or the hair care product composition in an amount of about 0.005 percent by weight, about 0.025 percent or more by weight, about 0.25 percent or more by weight, about 1 percent or more or more by weight, or about 2 percent or more or more by weight. In certain embodiments, the graphene nano platelets may be present in the biocomposite or the hair care product composition in an amount of about 5 percent or less by weight, about 2 percent or less by weight, about 1 percent or less by weight, or about 0.25 percent or less by weight, (e.g., measured relative to the total weight of the coating). In certain embodiments, the graphene nano-platelets may be present in the biocomposite or the hair care product composition in an amount between 0.025 percent by weight and 2 percent by weight. For certain applications, the target loading ratio for the graphene may be about .25 percent by weight, or between .15 percent by weight and 2.5 percent by weight.

[0051] A “masterbatch” of the graphene enhanced bio composite(s) may be the preferred vehicle of dispersion with consideration to large scale production of hair products.

[0052] As noted above, certain embodiments of the present application relate to a hair care composition in the form of a shampoo, conditioner, gel, cream, mousse, styling oil, hair spray, pomade, or other form of consumable hair care product. One particularly advantageous application of the concepts described herein relates to a graphene-infused keratin smoothing treatment (KST). Certain KSTs are suspensions of methylene glycol and synthesized human hair keratin. Some KSTs are used to reduce curl, target weak spots in the hair, and/or reinforce the structure of the hair, thereby helping to repair damage, block humidity, and reduce frizz while leaving the hair soft, shiny, and smooth. The use of graphene in such formulations could greatly enhance a treatment that has already been shown to be popular and effective.

[0053] While certain embodiments have been described herein as utilizing graphene, it should be appreciated that other carbon allotropes may be utilized in certain embodiments. Example forms of such alternative carbon allotropes include graphite, Ceo buckminsterfullerene, C540 fullerite, and C70 fullerene.

[0054] Certain embodiments of the present application relate to a hair care composition, comprising a biocomposite comprising a first form of graphene constituent and an additional constituent.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises a reduced graphene oxide constituent.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area of 50 m²/g or more, 100 m²/g or more, or 150 m²/g or more, 200 m²/g or more, 250 m²/g or more, 300 m²/g or more, 350 m²/g or more, 400 m²/g or more, 450 m²/g or more, or 500 m²/g or more.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area of 1000 m²/g or less, 950 m²/g or less, or 900 m²/g or less, 850 m²/g or less, 800 m²/g or less, 750 m²/g or less, 700 m²/g or less, 650 m²/g or less, 600 m²/g or less, or 650 m²/g or less.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area of 300 m²/g or more, 320 m²/g or more, or 340 m²/g or more.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area of 980 m²/g or less, 970 m²/g or less, or 960 m²/g or less.

[0060] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area of 8 m²/g or more, 10 m²/g or more, or 12 m²/g or more.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area of 20 m²/g or less, or 12 m²/g or less.

[0062] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average specific surface area in the range of 10 m²/g to 20 m²/g. [0063] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average thickness of 0.6 nm or more, 0.8 nm or more, or 1 nm or more.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average thickness of 35 nm or less, 30 nm or less, or 24 nm or less.

[0065] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average thickness in the range of 1 nm to 24 nm.

[0066] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average length/width of 2 microns or more, 3 microns or more, or 4 microns or more.

[0067] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average length/width of 18 microns or less, 14 microns or less, or 12 microns or less.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has an average length/width in the range of 4 microns to 12 microns.

[0069] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises 97 percent by weight carbon or greater.

[0070] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises an oxygen content of 5 percent or less by weight, 4.5 percent or less by weight, or 4 percent or less by weight.

[0071] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises an oxygen content of 0.1 percent or more by weight, 0.5 percent or more by weight, or 1 percent or more by weight.

[0072] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises .005 percent or more by weight of the biocomposite, 0.025 percent or more by weight of the biocomposite, 0.25 percent or more by weight of the biocomposite, 1 percent or more or more by weight of the biocomposite, or 2 percent or more or more by weight of the biocomposite.

[0073] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises 2 percent or less by weight of the biocomposite, 1 percent or less by weight of the biocomposite, or 0.25 percent or less by weight of the biocomposite.

[0074] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises 0.025 percent by weight of the biocomposite to 2 percent by weight of the biocomposite.

[0075] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises 0.005 percent or more by weight of the composition, 0.025 percent or more by weight of the composition, 0.25 percent or more by weight of the composition, 1 percent or more or more by weight of the composition, or 2 percent or more or more by weight of the composition.

[0076] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises 2 percent or less by weight of the composition, 1 percent or less by weight of the composition, or 0.25 percent or less by weight of the composition.

[0077] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent comprises 0.025 percent by weight of the composition to 2 percent by weight of the composition.

[0078] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises at least one of a mineral oil constituent, a chitin constituent, a chitosan constituent, and/or a polyethylene glycol constituent.

[0079] In certain embodiments, the biocomposite is a biopolymer.

[0080] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a hyaluronic acid constituent.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the composition is one of a shampoo, a conditioner, a gel, a cream, a mousse, a styling oil, a hair spray, or a pomade.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a liposome constituent.

[0083] In certain embodiments, the liposome constituent comprises one or more of surface- modified liposomes, biopolymer-incorporated liposomes, guest-in-cyclodextrin-in-liposomes, liposome-in-hydrogel, liposome-in-film, and/or liposome-in-nanofiber.

[0084] In certain embodiments, the liposome constituent comprises a PEGylated liposome constituent.

[0085] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a chitosan constituent.

[0086] In certain embodiments, the biocomposite is provided in an aqueous solution.

[0087] In certain embodiments, the aqueous solution has a pH of less than 7.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the aqueous solution is acidic.

[0089] In certain embodiments, the aqueous solution further comprises ascorbic acid.

[0090] In certain embodiments, the biocomposite further comprises a second form of graphene constituent different from the first form of graphene constituent in at least one aspect.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the first form of graphene constituent has a first average specific surface area; wherein the second form of graphene constituent has a second average specific surface area; and wherein the first average specific surface area is at least twice the second average specific surface area, at least five times the second average specific surface area, or at least ten times the second average specific surface area.

[0092] In certain embodiments, the second average specific surface area is 10 m²/g or more, or 12 m²/g or more.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the second average specific surface area is 20 m²/g or less, or 12 m²/g or less.

[0094] In certain embodiments, the second average specific surface area is in the range of 10 m²/g to 20 m²/g.

[0095] In certain embodiments, the second form of graphene constituent comprises a reduced graphene oxide constituent.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a lipid nanoparticle constituent.

[0097] In certain embodiments, at least some graphene particles of the first graphene constituent are infused to at least some lipid nanoparticles of the lipid nanoparticle constituent.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a phospholipid constituent.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the phospholipid constituent comprises a PEGylated phospholipid constituent.

[0100] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a PEGylated carrier constituent into which graphene particles of the first form of graphene constituent are infused.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the PEGylated carrier constituent comprises a PEGylated liposome constituent.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the additional constituent comprises a keratin constituent.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the keratin constituent comprises a synthesized human hair keratin constituent.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the biocomposite further comprises methylene glycol.

[0105] In certain embodiments, the hair care composition is a keratin smoothing treatment.

[0106] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. [0107] It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A hair care composition, comprising: a biocomposite comprising a first form of graphene constituent and an additional constituent.

2. The hair care composition of claim 1, wherein the first form of graphene constituent comprises a reduced graphene oxide constituent.

3. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises at least one of a mineral oil constituent, a chitin constituent, a chitosan constituent, and/or a polyethylene glycol constituent.

4. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the biocomposite is a biopolymer.

5. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a hyaluronic acid constituent.

6. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the composition is one of a shampoo, a conditioner, a gel, a cream, a mousse, a styling oil, a hair spray, or a pomade.

7. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a liposome constituent.

8. The hair care composition of claim 7, wherein the liposome constituent comprises one or more of surface-modified liposomes, biopolymer-incorporated liposomes, guest-in-cyclodextrin- in-liposomes, liposome-in-hydrogel, liposome-in-film, and/or liposome-in-nanofiber.

9. The hair care composition of claim 7, wherein the liposome constituent comprises a PEGylated liposome constituent.

10. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a chitosan constituent.

11. The hair care composition of claim 10, wherein the biocomposite is provided in an aqueous solution.

12. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a lipid nanoparticle constituent.

13. The hair care composition of claim 12, wherein at least some graphene particles of the first graphene constituent are infused to at least some lipid nanoparticles of the lipid nanoparticle constituent.

14. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a phospholipid constituent.

15. The hair care composition of claim 14, wherein the phospholipid constituent comprises a PEGylated phospholipid constituent.

16. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a PEGylated carrier constituent into which graphene particles of the first form of graphene constituent are infused.

17. The hair care composition of claim 16, wherein the PEGylated carrier constituent comprises a PEGylated liposome constituent.

18. The hair care composition of any preceding claim, wherein the additional constituent comprises a keratin constituent.

19. The hair care composition of claim 18, wherein the keratin constituent comprises a synthesized human hair keratin constituent.

20. The hair care composition of claim 18, wherein the biocomposite further comprises methylene glycol.

21. The hair care composition of claim 18, wherein the hair care composition is a keratin smoothing treatment.