A group of researchers found that the future of sunscreen technology may rely on the power of natural marine creatures such as slime, algae and shrimp shells. Not only will this invention protect humans from the harmful sun's rays, but safeguard textiles and other outdoor objects as well.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiations are known to have hazardous effects to living things, specifically because it disturb the natural state of cells, in terms of stability and functionality. These radiations may also modify the intrinsic feature of materials, resulting in deviations from its usual span of lifetime. Therefore, scientists from AlbaNova University Center and University of the Basque Country felt the need to develop a product that is effective in addressing such issues, without harming biological and environmental systems.
The researchers were particularly inspired by the ability of the fish and other marine creatures to swim day and night - practically their entire lives - yet survive from the continuous exposure to the harsh effects of the UV rays in a confined ecosystem.
The scientists led by Vincent Bulone, who is also the new head of the ARC Center of Excellence in Plant Cell Walls at the University of Adelaide, developed contemporary devices made up of natural compounds to help achieve UV protection. "In our work we have exploited the same type of mycosporines produced in many fish species of the Great Barrier Reef to protect their eyes and tissues from UV light," said Bulone.
The researchers first extracted mycosporines and mycosporine-like amino acids, which are the naturally-occurring sunscreen molecules from algae. The said components, which can also be found in reef fish mucus, were then combined with a lattice called chitosan. Chitosan is a biopolymer found in the shells of crustaceans and insects, which was used as the source for transplanting the UV-resistant mycosporines.
The findings of the study, published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, show that the materials developed are biocompatible, thermoresistant and photoresistant. Ultimately, the product exhibited optimum protections against both UV-A and UV-B radiations. With this, the researchers think that their invention can be a good option for sun protection and probably exceed those that are presently available in the market.
The polymer chains resulting from the new compound is said to be helpful in giving ample UV protection to dyed hair and its transparent film also contains anti-bacterial properties that help heal burnt and post-surgical wounds. Other applications include film coatings of car paint and dashboard for sun protection.
Photo: Alex Liivet | Flickr
