Скачать или смотреть 🚨 A natural sunscreen… made by bacteria?

What if the next generation of UV protection doesn’t come from a lab-synthesized filter—but from a microorganism that’s been surviving brutal sunlight for millions of years? ☀️🧪

Here’s what researchers found:
In a Thai hot spring, scientists examined thermophilic cyanobacteria—microbes that live in extreme heat. Out of eight strains, one stood out: Gloeocapsa sp. BRSZ. When exposed to UV-A and UV-B, it ramped up production of a powerful protective molecule. Even more interesting: salt stress pushed production even higher. 🔥🧫

✨ The key molecule:
A previously unreported mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) called:
β-glucose-bound hydroxy mycosporine–sarcosine (GlcHMS326) 🧬
This compound appears to carry a rare “triple upgrade”:
✅ Glycosylation (glucose attachment)
✅ Hydroxylation
✅ Methylation
These modifications may help tune stability and UV-absorption behavior—making it a standout compared to more “classic” MAAs.

🛡️ Why this matters (two-layer defense):
UV exposure doesn’t just damage via radiation—it also generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) that drive oxidative stress. So the team tested antioxidant performance, and GlcHMS326 showed stronger radical-scavenging activity than more canonical MAAs—consistent with the idea that its modified structure boosts protection. ⚡🧯

🌍 The big picture:
This points to a compelling bio-inspired strategy:
Absorb UV + reduce oxidative stress
If these cyanobacterial pathways can be scaled safely and sustainably, compounds like GlcHMS326 could support eco-friendlier sunscreen filters and next-gen skincare—potentially reducing reliance on some synthetic UV filters that raise environmental concerns. 🌊🌱

💬 Now your turn:
Would you trust a “microbe-made” UV filter in skincare—if it proved safe and stable?
Drop your take in the comments 👇 and tell me what you want me to cover next.

👍 If you enjoyed this breakdown, like the video, subscribe, and stay tuned—because nature keeps inventing chemistry we haven’t even named yet. 🔬✨

REF: https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitoten...