Ultraviolet radiation, evolution and the π-electron system

Cockell, Charles S.

doi:10.1111/j.1095-8312.1998.tb01528.x

Cited by 28 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 29 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In particular, the p bonds present in all but the simplest organic molecules absorb UVR efficiently and are vulnerable to photolysis. 12 Environments exposed to UVR will thus profoundly influence the very nature and abundance of the molecular building blocks available for generating more complex, prebiotic molecules (Fig. 1).…”

Section: Uv Hardiness and Prebiotic Chemical Environmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Life in the light: nucleic acid photoproperties as a legacy of chemical evolution

Beckstead

Zhang

Vries

et al. 2016

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.

127

144

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Photophysical investigations of the canonical nucleobases that make up DNA and RNA during the past 15 years have revealed that excited states formed by the absorption of UV radiation decay with subpicosecond lifetimes (i.e., <10(-12) s). Ultrashort lifetimes are a general property of absorbing sunscreen molecules, suggesting that the nucleobases are molecular survivors of a harsh UV environment. Encoding the genome using photostable building blocks is an elegant solution to the threat of photochemical damage. Ultrafast excited-state deactivation strongly supports the hypothesis that UV radiation played a major role in shaping molecular inventories on the early Earth before the emergence of life and the subsequent development of a protective ozone shield. Here, we review the general physical and chemical principles that underlie the photostability, or "UV hardiness", of modern nucleic acids and discuss the possible implications of these findings for prebiotic chemical evolution. In RNA and DNA strands, much longer-lived excited states are observed, which at first glance appear to increase the risk of photochemistry. It is proposed that the dramatically different photoproperties that emerge from assemblies of photostable building blocks may explain the transition from a world of molecular survival to a world in which energy-rich excited electronic states were eventually tamed for biological purposes such as energy transduction, signaling, and repair of the genetic machinery.

show abstract

Section: Uv Hardiness and Prebiotic Chemical Environmentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Life in the light: nucleic acid photoproperties as a legacy of chemical evolution

Beckstead

Zhang

Vries

et al. 2016

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys.

127

144

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…These plant sunscreens are commonly phenolic compounds like flavonoids or p ‐hydroxycinnamic derivatives, which are often esterified with other hydroxyacids or glycosylated [5] . These compounds display strong UV absorption due to the conjugated nature of the aromatic ring and the adjacent carbon‐carbon double bonds [6] . In fact, some of these compounds are already being utilized in commercial sunscreens and cosmetics as an organic sunscreen additive [7] …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Grafting Nature‐Inspired and Bio‐Based Phenolic Esters onto Cellulose Nanocrystals Gives Biomaterials with Photostable Anti‐UV Properties

et al. 2020

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

New nature‐inspired and plant‐derived p‐hydroxycinnamate esters and p‐hydroxycinnamate diesters provide excellent protection against UV radiation when incorporated into a matrix. Herein, an efficient and sustainable pathway is reported to graft these phenolic compounds onto cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) via click‐type copper‐catalyzed azide/alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The successful grafting of the phenolic esters on CNC surface was evidenced by a range of chemical analyses, and the degrees of substitution (DS) of the CNC were found to depend on the structure of the phenolic ester grafted. Moreover, aqueous suspensions of the phenolic ester‐grafted CNCs not only strongly absorb in both the UVA and UVB regions, but they also exhibit average to very high photostability. Their wide spectrum UV‐absorbing properties and their stability upon exposure to UV are highly influenced by the structure of the phenolic ester, particularly by the extra ester group in p‐hydroxycinnamate diesters. These findings demonstrate that cellulose nanocrystals decorated with such plant‐derived and nature‐inspired phenolic esters are promising sustainable nanomaterials for anti‐UV applications.

show abstract

“…This system comprises a chain of alternating single and multiple bonds that enable electron movement within molecules. This property enhances stability, UV absorption, and antioxidant capabilities, which are crucial for the effectiveness of certain natural UV filters (Cockell, 1998). Natural compounds, especially botanical UV filters with aromatic rings, offer promising potential as UV filters, surpassing synthetic products in both UV absorption and antioxidant capacities.…”

Section: Natural Uv-absorption Compounds For Sun Protectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Approaches in line with human physiology to prevent skin aging

Karimi

2023

Front. Physiol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Skin aging is a complex process that is influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors that impact the skin’s protective functions and overall health. As the body’s outermost layer, the skin plays a critical role in defending it against external threats, regulating body temperature, providing tactile sensation, and synthesizing vitamin D for bone health, immune function, and body homeostasis. However, as individuals age, the skin undergoes structural and functional changes, leading to impairments in these essential functions. In contemporary society, there is an increasing recognition of skin health as a significant indicator of overall wellbeing, resulting in a growing demand for anti-aging products and treatments. However, these products often have limitations in terms of safety, effective skin penetration, and potential systemic complications. To address these concerns, researchers are now focusing on approaches that are safer and better aligned with physiology of the skin. These approaches include adopting a proper diet and maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, the development of topical treatments that synchronize with the skin’s circadian rhythm, utilizing endogenous antioxidant molecules, such as melatonin and natural products like polyphenols. Moreover, exploring alternative compounds for sun protection, such as natural ultraviolet (UV)-absorbing compounds, can offer safer options for shielding the skin from harmful radiation. Researchers are currently exploring the potential of adipose-derived stem cells, cell-free blood cell secretome (BCS) and other endogenous compounds for maintaining skin health. These approaches are more secure and more effective alternatives which are in line with human physiology to tackle skin aging. By emphasizing these innovative strategies, it is possible to develop effective treatments that not only slow down the skin aging process but also align better with the natural physiology of the skin. This review will focus on recent research in this field, highlighting the potential of these treatments as being safer and more in line with the skin’s physiology in order to combat the signs of aging.

show abstract

Ultraviolet radiation, evolution and the π-electron system

Cited by 28 publications

References 29 publications

Life in the light: nucleic acid photoproperties as a legacy of chemical evolution

Life in the light: nucleic acid photoproperties as a legacy of chemical evolution

Grafting Nature‐Inspired and Bio‐Based Phenolic Esters onto Cellulose Nanocrystals Gives Biomaterials with Photostable Anti‐UV Properties

Approaches in line with human physiology to prevent skin aging

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About