title: Cyanobacterial Sunscreen Scytonemin: Role in Photoprotection and Biomedical Research.
abstract: Cyanobacteria are the most promising group of photosynthetic microorganisms capable of producing an array of natural products of industrial importance. Scytonemin is a small hydrophobic alkaloid pigment molecules present in the extracellular sheath of several cyanobacteria as a protective mechanism against short wavelength solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It has great efficacy to minimize the production of reactive oxygen species and formation of DNA lesions. The biosynthesis of scytonemin is regulated by different physico-chemical stressors. Scytonemin display multiple roles, functioning as a potent UV sunscreen and antioxidant molecules, and can be exploited in cosmetic and other industries for the development of new cosmeceuticals. Herein, we review the occurrence, biosynthesis, and potential application of scytonemin in photoprotection, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.
authors.affiliation: BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel Maidan, Vadtal Road, Satellite Campus, Sardar Patel University, Post Box No. 39, Vallabh Vidyanagar, 388 120, Anand, Gujarat, India, raj_rastogi@rediffmail.com.
authors.forename: Rajesh Prasad
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Rastogi
authors.forename: Ravi Raghav
authors.initials: RR
authors.lastname: Sonani
authors.forename: Datta
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Madamwar
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000458:Cyanobacteria / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D004249:DNA Damage; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010636:Phenols / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D007211:Indoles; D010636:Phenols; D013473:Sunscreening Agents; C083368:scytonemin