title: Biotechnological production of arbutins (α- and β-arbutins), skin-lightening agents, and their derivatives.
abstract: Arbutins (α- and β-arbutins) are glycosylated hydroquinones that are commercially used in the cosmetic industry. These compounds have an inhibitory function against tyrosinase, a critical enzyme for generating pigments, which leads to the prevention of melanin formation, resulting in a whitening effect on the skin. Although β-arbutin is found in various plants including bearberry, wheat, and pear, α-arbutin and other arbutin derivatives are synthesized by chemical and enzymatic methods. This article presents a mini-review of recent studies on the production of α-arbutin and other α- and β-arbutin derivatives via enzymatic bioconversion methods. In addition, the structures of α- and β-arbutin derivatives and their biological activities are discussed. The catalytic characteristics of various enzymes used in the biosynthesis of arbutin derivatives are also reviewed.
authors: Graduate School of Biotechnology, and Institute of Life Science and Resources, Kyung Hee University, Yongin 446-701, South Korea.
authors: Dong-Ho
authors: DH
authors: Seo
authors: Jong-Hyun
authors: JH
authors: Jung
authors: Jae-Eun
authors: JE
authors: Lee
authors: Eun-Jung
authors: EJ
authors: Jeon
authors: Wooki
authors: W
authors: Kim
authors: Cheon-Seok
authors: CS
authors: Park
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001104:Arbutin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001709:Biotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D012880:Skin Pigmentation / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D008543:Melanins; D062327:Skin Lightening Preparations; D001104:Arbutin