Chapter 5 - Cyanobacterial photoprotective compounds: characterization and utilization in human welfare

Abstract

In recent decades, numerous bioactivities of cyanobacterial photoprotective compounds such as carotenoids, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), scytonemin, and phycobilin proteins have been reported. Although the time taken for clinical trials of natural compounds for human use might be more than 50 years, these natural pharmacophores have several advantages over synthetic ones including less toxicity. Moreover, sourcing of cyanobacteria can be sustainable in marine systems owing to their fast biomass turnover rates. These cyanobacterial bioactive compounds impart several health-promoting properties such as antioxidant, antiaging, and antiproliferative effects upon crucial application to humans besides their distinct physiological roles, hence, making them suitable for use in cosmetics. The cosmeceutical industry has grown significantly since the last decade, with an annual growth of 7.7% from 2012 to 2016. Considering the recent advancements in the algal research, these cyanobacterial bioactive photoprotective compounds will be a major contender in the cosmeceutical industry. Here, we present an overview of the structure, genetics, biosynthesis, and applications of the cyanobacterial photoprotective compounds MAAs and scytonemin. The information summarized in this chapter can be utilized in designing projects targeting commercial production of these cyanobacterial photoprotective bioactive compounds for human welfare.