Mycosporine-like amino acids: Algal metabolites shaping the safety and sustainability profiles of commercial sunscreens
2021
Sen, Sutrishna | Mallick, Nirupama
The dramatically changing climatic conditions globally have equipped the Earth's early inhabitants with some evolutionary advancement. With the increasing influx of harmful solar radiation into the atmosphere, photo-protective mechanisms have become necessary. Microalgae and macroalgae are such groups of organisms housing various photo-protective compounds, individually and in symbiotic associations. A notable example of an algal-secondary metabolite involved in photoprotection is the mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). After the concerns regarding harmful implications of conventional sunscreen filters made consumers more aware, econometrics of commercial sunscreens present a shift from accustomed synthetic molecules. However, the need for a practical yet harmless sunscreen is indispensable. Being ecologically and dermatologically safer, MAAs make algae a promising source of natural sunscreens. With the discovery of more unknown compounds, the field of MAAs is continuously expanding. Their anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties are strengthening their cosmetic acceptability as sunscreen filters. This review analyse the data related to MAAs from research, ecological and commercial perspectives. It aims to provide a holistic understanding of the relevant findings achieved so far and the future potential.
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