Exploring Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs) as Safe and Natural Protective Agents against UV-Induced Skin Damage

Abstract

Prolonged exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can induce many chronic or acute skin disorders in humans. To protect themselves, many people have started to apply cosmetic products containing UV-screening chemicals alone or together with physical sunblocks, mainly based on titanium–dioxide (TiO2) or zinc-oxide (ZnO2). However, it has now been shown that the use of chemical and physical sunblocks is not safe for long-term application, so searches for the novel, natural UV-screening compounds derived from plants or bacteria are gaining attention. Certain photosynthetic organisms such as algae and cyanobacteria have evolved to cope with exposure to UVR by producing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). These are promising substitutes for chemical sunscreens containing commercially available sunblock filters. The use of biopolymers such as chitosan for joining MAAs together or with MAA-Np (nanoparticles) conjugates will provide stability to MAAs similar to the mixing of chemical and physical sunscreens. This review critically describes UV-induced skin damage, problems associated with the use of chemical and physical sunscreens, cyanobacteria as a source of MAAs, the abundance of MAAs and their biotechnological applications. We also narrate the effectiveness and application of MAAs and MAA conjugates on skin cell lines.

Perspectives on the microorganism of extreme environments and their applications

“…The UV exposure can cause sunburn and premature aging on short term exposure and even skin cancer on long term exposure ( Singh et al., 2021 ). MAAs are more efficient than currently existing synthetic sunscreens with synthetic organic filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone, aminobenzoic acid, etc.)…”

“…They can protect the skin against aging (with their antioxidative activity, etc. ), microbes and absorb UV radiation while also having a less negative impact on marine life (bioaccumulation and hormonal changes in fishes, production of hydrogen peroxide, and bleaching of corals), inducing little to no side effects in humans (allergic reactions, phototoxicity, endocrine disorders) and being more eco-friendly ( Geraldes and Pinto, 2021 ; Singh et al., 2021 ; Corinaldesi et al., 2017 ).…”

“…MAAs, are produced by lichens, fungi, and cyanobacteria when exposed to UV radiation, are extremely stable at high pH and temperatures, and are primarily used as a natural bioactive ingredient in cosmetic products ( Corinaldesi et al., 2017 ). While they offer proper protection from UVA radiation, they offer relatively less protection against UVB radiation ( Geraldes and Pinto, 2021 ; Singh et al., 2021 ) Some studies show that they provide minimal protection against UV A and UV B because of the addition of substances with antioxidant properties is essential in the production of sunscreens as the synthetic UV filters in them absorb the photons rather than reflecting them the synthetic UV filters in sunscreens absorb the photons rather than reflecting them ( Corinaldesi et al., 2017 ; Mendes-Silva et al., 2020 ). The synthesis of carotenoid pigments and other metabolites (lycopene, astaxanthin, etc.…”

The New Challenge of Green Cosmetics: Natural Food Ingredients for Cosmetic Formulations

“…UV-B is known as burning rays and is considered the most active constituent of solar radiation. It can induce direct and indirect adverse effects on DNA and proteins [ 53 ], inducing immunosuppression and skin cancer [ 54 ]. The most dangerous UV wavelengths are UV-C. Fortunately, these radiations are absorbed by the atmosphere before they reach our skin [ 55 ].…”

Genome Mining as an Alternative Way for Screening the Marine Organisms for Their Potential to Produce UV-Absorbing Mycosporine-like Amino Acid

“…Beyond their UV-protective and antioxidative properties, MAAs demonstrate additional biotechnological potentials, including anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and antiaging properties ( Table 1 ) [ 14 ], that could be further explored for more generation of environmentally friendly sunscreen with advanced capacity for skin cancer prevention [ 10 , 43 ]. However, MAAs have been used in very limited ways in several cosmetic applications as natural agents for sun protection [ 44 ].…”