Extremophiles Microbes from Hot Springs - Identified as a Potential Source of Next Generation Biobased Sunscreens

Protection from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential for human health.

- Monikandon Sukumaran *, Kesavan Devarayan and Ramar Marimuthu

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn, premature aging, DNA damage and skin cancer. Conventional sunscreens often contain synthetic chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and parabens which have raised environmental and health concerns. Many of these chemicals can harm marine ecosystems especially coral reefs, and may also cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. As a result scientists are searching for safer, natural alternatives. One promising area of research involves extremophile microbes microorganisms that survive in extreme environments such as hot springs. These microbes have evolved unique biological mechanisms to withstand intense UV radiation, high temperature and oxidative stress. Researchers believe that studying these microbes could lead to the development of eco-friendly, highly effective natural sunscreens.

What Are Extremophile Microbes?

Extremophiles are microorganisms that live in extreme environmental conditions such as high temperature, high salinity, acidic or alkaline conditions and high radiation environments. Hot springs in particular are home to thermophiles heat loving microbes that thrive at temperatures above 45°C and sometimes even above 80°C. These microbes survive in conditions that would destroy normal biological cells. To survive they produce special protective compounds such as pigments, antioxidants and UV-absorbing molecules. These compounds protect their DNA, proteins and cellular structures from damage caused by heat and radiation.

Hot springs are ideal natural laboratories because they expose microbes to strong sunlight, high temperature and mineral rich water. Over millions of years microbes in these environments have evolved highly efficient protective biochemical systems. These natural protective systems are now being explored for use in human skin protection products.

UV Radiation and the Need for Better Sunscreen