UV Filters Research Articles

Toxicity of inorganic nanoparticles and commercial sunscreens on marine bacteria

The Balearic Islands, a top tourist destination for sunny beaches, face physical and chemical pressures from human activities, impacting keystone species like the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica and its associated microbiome. This study evaluated the effects of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles and three commercial sunscreens with varying protection factors (50 or 90) and chemical complexities (1- SPF50_E “eco-friendly”; 2- SPF50 not “eco-friendly”; 3- SPF90 not “eco-friendly”) on five heterotrophic bacteria (Pseudomonas azotifigens, Marinobacterium litorale, Thiothrix nivea, Sedimenticola thiotaurini and Cobetia sp) and two autotrophic cyanobacteria (Halothece sp. and Fischerella muscicola) associated to P. oceanica, as well as a natural leaf epiphytic community. Results indicated that TiO2 affected all heterotrophic bacteria, while ZnO was toxic to only two species, while autotrophs were unaffected. Commercial sunscreens impacted three heterotrophs and the natural epiphytic community, while autotrophs were only affected by SPF50. SPF50_E reduced phosphorus uptake, and both SPF50 and SPF90 decreased alkaline phosphatase activity. Reactive oxygen species production was mainly induced by SPF90, followed by SPF50_E and SPF50. Generally, the smallest bacteria were most sensitive to UV-filters (UVFs). This study indicates that UVFs exposure may alter the epiphytic community structure of P. oceanica.

Toxicokinetics of 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) and its seven metabolites in humans after controlled single dermal exposure to EHS

The chemical UV filter 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is used in various personal-care products. The dermal and oral metabolism of EHS have already been targeted by different studies. However, toxicokinetic data after a single dermal exposure to EHS was missing. In our study, three volunteers were dermally exposed to a commercial EHS-containing sunscreen for 9 h with an application dose of 2 mg sunscreen per cm2 body surface area. The exposure was performed indoors, and sunscreen was applied on about 75% of the total skin area. Complete urine voids were collected over 72 h and eight blood samples were drawn from each subject. Urine samples were analyzed for EHS and seven known metabolites (5OH-EHS, 4OH-EHS, 2OH-EHS, 6OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS) by online-SPE UPLC MS/MS. The peaks of urinary elimination occurred 10–11 h after application. The elimination half-lives (Phase 1) were between 6.6 and 9.7 h. The dominant urinary biomarkers were EHS itself, followed by 5OH-EHS, 5cx-EPS, 5oxo-EHS, and 4OH-EHS. 2OH-EHS, 6OH-EHS, and 4oxo-EHS were detected only in minor amounts. An enhanced analysis of conjugation species revealed marginal amounts of unconjugated metabolites and up to 40% share of sulfate conjugates for 5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS. The results demonstrated a delayed systemic resorption of EHS via the dermal route. Despite an extensive metabolism, the parent compound occurred as main urinary parameter. The delayed dermal resorption as well as the slow elimination of EHS indicate an accumulation up to toxicological relevant doses during daily repeated dermal application to large skin areas.

Bismuth Oxychloride Nanoflakes Based Wearable Colorimetric Sensors for Efficient Monitoring of UV Exposure

Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight is essential for human health in many ways such as facilitating vitamin D synthesis while excessive exposure can cause adverse effects such as premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancers. In the USA, between 2007 and 2011, nearly five million adults were treated for skin cancer annually with average treatment costs of $8.1 billion each year. Hence, monitoring daily exposure to sunlight is essential to avoid developing health risks. Colorimetric UV sensors change color as a function of UV exposure, provide onsite information about the level of exposure, and can act as a personal wearable device to assist in making informed decisions on sunlight exposure. These sensors utilize radiation-induced reactions on a dye to produce a color change. We developed a BiOCl based wearable UV sensor for monitoring UV exposure where a white-to-black color transformation is induced due to the creation of oxygen vacancies in BiOCl. This color transformation is not quantifiable in bulk BiOCl; hence BiOCl was purposely dispersed on filter paper to form petal-like nanostructures that help quantify the color change. Four different dye molecules, 6-carboxyfluorescein, 5-carboxyfluorescein, rhodamine-B, and Prussian blue were evaluated, where 6-carboxyfluorescein gave the best color contrast. The sensor responds to UVA, UVB, and UVC and with proper UV filters can be made selective for specific UV radiations. This unique colorimetric UV sensor can help manage personal UV exposure and reduce the risk of sun exposure ailments.Reference: Kyle Troche, Kannan Ramaiyan, Timothy J. Boyle, Fernando H. Garzon, “Bismuth Oxychloride Nanoflakes Enabled High Sensitivity Colorimetric UV Dosimetry” ACS Appl. Nano. Mater. 2023, 6, 7.

Voltammetric determination of a UV filter pollutant using a platinum electrode modified by a polymer membrane based on ß-cyclodextrin

Purpose This study aims to develop an electrochemical sensor for the detection of benzophenone (BP) as an alternative to conventional techniques that are known, expensive, complex and less sensitive. Design/methodology/approach The developed sensor is a platinum electrode modified with a plasticized polymer film based on ß-cyclodextrin, using PVC as the polymer, PEG as the plasticizer and ß-CD as the ionophore. This sensor is characterized by various techniques, such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and cyclic voltammetry. This latter is also used for analyzing kinetic processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface and to evaluate the selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor. Findings The results highlight the performance of our sensor. In fact, it exhibits a linear response extending from 10−19 to 10−13 M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9836. What is more, it has an excellent detection limit of 10−19 M and a good sensitivity of 21.24 µA/M. Originality/value The results of this investigation demonstrated that the developed sensor is an analytical tool of choice for the monitoring of BP in the aqueous phase. The suggested sensor is fast, simple, reproducible and inexpensive.

Waste-derived carbon quantum dots for improving the photostability of perovskite solar cells to > 1,000 h

Power conversion efficiency (PCE) of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has reached 26.1%, but PSC devices are plagued by poor stability when exposed to light (especially ultraviolet (UV) radiation), heat, and moisture. UV stability remains a significant challenge to overcome. Luminescent down-shifting (LDS) filters have shown significant enhancement in photostability and efficiency for PSCs. However, most explored LDS materials are costly, non-biodegradable, and the resulting photostability is limited to ∼100 h. In this report, as-obtained waste filtrate from the polyaniline (PANI) synthesis is used to synthesize fluorescent PANI carbon quantum dots (PANI-CQDs) using a facile hydrothermal method. Here we report, for the first time, the use of waste-derived PANI-CQDs to fabricate UV filters that are low-cost, bio-degradable, and room-temperature processible and, importantly, impart high UV and photostability to the PSCs. PSCs with these filters retained 90% and 100% of their initial performance when exposed to UV light and AM 1.5 solar radiation, respectively, for more than 900 h, while PSCs without filters degraded to 14 and 70% of their initial performance under the same conditions. Hence, we clearly show that using a waste-derived LDS filter improves the UV stability of PSCs by six times and photostability beyond 1,000 h.

Distribution, sources, ecological and human health risks of organic ultraviolet filters in coastal waters and beach deposits in Hainan, China

Organic ultraviolet filters (OUVFs) are extensively incorporated into both cosmetic items and industrial products and have been commonly found in water ecosystems. This study aims to examine the environmental levels, sources, ecological and human health risks of 14 commonly used OUVFs both in coastal water and beach deposit samples collected from the nearshore regions of Hainan Island and the South China Sea. This is first study highlighting the contamination of OUVFs in Hainan Island and utilizing economic and tourism data to confirm the potential source of OUVF pollution in costal aquatic and coastal ecosystem. Along the coastal tourist regions of Hainan Island, the median concentrations in coastal waters and beach deposits of these OUVFs fall within the range from 1.2 to 53.2 ng/L and 0.2–17.0 ng/g dw, respectively. In coastal water and beach deposit, the concentration of BP-3 was the highest, with median concentrations of 53.2 ng/L and 17.0 ng/g dw, respectively. Regarding human health risks, the daily intake of all 14 OUVFs through swimming was found to be 40–48 ng/kg/day. Ecological risk assessment indicates that BP-3 presents a medium risk for marine microalgae with a concurrent low risk for corals. The correlation analysis underscores a substantial interrelation of OUVFs in both coastal waters and beach deposits with various economic indicators, including annual rainfall, overnight tourists, total hotel rooms (unit), room occupancy rate, and sewage treatment capacity.

Changes in combined toxicity of benzophenone-3 and humic acid on Daphnia magna and zebrafish during chlorination disinfection process

Conventional wastewater treatment methods cannot completely remove the ultraviolet (UV) filters or dissolved organic matter. The transformation characteristics of these substances during chlorination disinfection and the varying species-specific toxicities of their combinations remain unclear. Here, Daphnia magna and zebrafish were exposed to benzophenone-3 (BP-3) and humic acid (HA) before and after chlorination disinfection. The results from chemical indicators showed that chlorination treatment decreased UV254 values and changed the intensity of parallel factors in three-dimensional fluorescence. Based on chemical analysis, the chlorine concentration and chlorination time for the toxicity experiments were set at 5 mg/L and 6 h, respectively. Exposure to HA and BP-3 before and after chlorination decreased the heart rate (by 1.37–28.12 %) in both species. However, species-specific responses, including survival rate, swimming distance, and expression of genes related to neurodevelopment, growth, and oxidative stress, were induced by chlorination. Chlorination reduced the impact of HA exposure but worsened the effects of HA and BP-3 co-exposure on D. magna. However, in zebrafish, the toxic effects intensified in most of the exposure groups after chlorination. Correlation analysis showed that the parallel factors of three-dimensional fluorescence were correlated with toxic effects on zebrafish, whereas UV254 was more significantly correlated with toxic effects on D. magna. This study provides insights into the combined toxicity of UV filters and dissolved organic matter in different aquatic organisms during chlorination, which is useful for risk control and optimization of the chlorination process.

New metabolites of 2-ethylhexyl salicylate in human urine after simulated real-life dermal sunscreen application

2-Ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) is an organic UV filter which is used in sunscreen and other personal care products. The dermal uptake of EHS was studied in several dermal-exposure experiments. This paper aims to coherently assess urine samples after dermal exposure for the biomarkers EHS, 5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS, and 5cx-EPS as well as further biomarkers of interest, specifically 4OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS, 2OH-EHS, and 6OH-EHS, for the first time. Samples from 18 participants of a pre-existing dermal exposure study under real-life conditions were reassessed using a comprehensive LC-MS/MS method. EHS accounts for 34 % of the cumulative excretion of all analytes within 24 h after exposure, followed by 5OH-EHS (19 %), 5cx-EPS (18 %), 4OH-EHS (15 %) and 5oxo-EHS (11 %). Further metabolites were only quantified in minor amounts. EHS as the most prominent excretion parameter in this study demonstrates the missing first-pass effect after dermal absorption. Furthermore, the applied novel comprehensive analytical procedure revealed oxidation at the ω (5cx-EPS, 6OH-EHS), ω-1 (5OH-EHS, 5oxo-EHS), and ω-2 positions (4OH-EHS, 4oxo-EHS) in the main chain of the ethylhexyl group as well as oxidation in the side chain (2OH-EHS). The presented data are of high relevance for a reliable toxicological risk assessment of dermal exposure to EHS.

Using cephalopod-inspired chemistry to extend long-wavelength ultraviolet and visible light protection of mineral sunscreens.

The emergence of new human and environmental-related toxicity data associated with some common UV filters has catalysed growing interest in the inclusion of boosters and stabilizing ingredients in sunscreens. One approach is to incorporate alternative materials inspired by or mimetic of systems in biology, which offer a notable evolutionary advantage of multifunctionality and stability with increased biocompatibility. We describe the use of a natural product, Xanthochrome® (INCI: Ammonium Xanthommatin), in a series of studies designed to not only assess its safety with marine systems but also its formulation compatibility and function in water-in-oil mineral sunscreens. Xanthochrome is the synthetic form of the naturally occurring chromophore xanthommatin (XA) present in cephalopod skin, which doubles as a photostable antioxidant; however, it has never been explored in combination with mineral UV filters in finished formulations. Given the recent controversies associated with the environmental toxicological effects of some chemicals used in sunscreens, the safety of XA with coral cuttings was first validated at concentrations 5× above those used in our formulations. Next, a particle-based delivery of XA was designed and incorporated into a zinc oxide (ZnO)-based water-in-oil sunscreen, where the SPF, critical wavelength, and visible light (VL) blocking potential were measured. We observed no adverse effects of XA at 100 mg/L when tested with coral cuttings, demonstrating its safety at concentrations exceeding those used in our sunscreens. When formulated with ZnO-based sunscreens, the inclusion of XA increased the total UV absorbance profile by 28% and the total blocking potential of VL by 45%. The formulations also elicited no dermal irritation or sensitization in a human insult repeat patch test (N = 100 subjects). XA is differentiated as a photostable, water-soluble compound that is a VL booster proven safe for skin and coral cuttings. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other boosters that can be classified as such, despite a growing body of literature highlighting the need in the industry.

Influence of choline chloride pH adjuster on physical and optical properties of CuInSe2 thin films by CBD

We concentrate on low-cost thin film solar cells with the help of choline chloride acting as a pH adjuster because copper ternary material compounds and their alloys have become more and more lavish over the past 20 years. Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) is used to produce copper indium selenium (CuInSe2) thin films on glass substrates while a pH adjuster is present. The micro structural and elemental properties are studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The optical studies of CuInSe2 thin films are done using a UV–Vis–NIR spectrometer. XRD and Raman spectra shows that the CIS thin films deposited in the sequence of Glass/In/Se/Cu2Se/Se (labeled as CISB) and annealed at 400 °C (CISB400) contains all the peaks corresponding to the chalcopyrite CuInSe2. From the EDS measurements it was noted that the selenium to metal ratio (Se/Cu + In) for all the samples changes with temperature. It is worth to note that the film thickness decreases with a decrease in the pH of choline chloride which results a change in the optical band gap of the films. The optical properties of these thin films are greatly influenced by adjusting pH and it gives better results for optoelectronic devices with a sustainable UV filter which absorbs more in ultraviolet vicinity. The energy gap (Eg) values of the CISB samples were determined and is found to be suitable for photovoltaic conversion process.

Distribution and accumulation of UV filters (UVFs) and conservation status of Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadows in a prominent Mediterranean coastal tourist hub

This study investigates the presence and impact of UV filters in Posidonia oceanica meadows in Formentera, a Mediterranean tourist hotspot. It highlights the distribution of inorganic (TiO2 and ZnO) and organic UV filters (UVFs) in different environmental matrices, their accumulation in seagrass tissues and their impact on the seagrass health.In the overlying and canopy waters of P. oceanica, Zn concentrations surpassed Ti, with three organic UVFs (benzophenone-3 [BP-3], avobenzone and homosalate [HMS]) consistently detected. Ti concentrations were generally higher than Zn in rhizosphere sediments, along with recurrent presence of octocrylene, HMS, 2-ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC). Maximum Zn concentrations were found in canopy waters (3052.9 ng L−1). Both Ti and Zn were found in all P. oceanica tissues and leaf epiphytes across all study sites. Additional UVFs like octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-8 were also detected in P. oceanica tissues and epiphytes. Elevated levels of octocrylene in leaf epiphytes (2112.1 ng g−1 dw) and avobenzone in leaves (364.2 ng g−1 dw) and leaf epiphytes (199.6 ng g−1 dw) were observed in the Port of La Savina, the island's main entry port. Octocrylene concentrations (up to 2575 ng g−1 dw) in rhizosphere sediments near sewage discharge points exceeded reported maxima, highlighting wastewater treatment plants as significant sources of organic UVFs. Correlational analyses suggested that the accumulation of octocrylene, avobenzone, and BP-3 negatively impacted P. oceanica's conservation status, affecting global density, density at 100 % cover, and leaf morphometry. Positive correlations were observed between leaf polyphenols (antioxidants) and concentrations of avobenzone, benzophenone-8 (BP-8), and BP-3, indicating potential oxidative stress induced by UVFs in P. oceanica.Our study underscores the pervasive presence of UV filters in P. oceanica habitats, with implications for seagrass health and conservation, especially in areas of high tourism and sewage discharge.

Determination and risk assessment of UV filters and benzotriazole UV stabilizers in wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant in Lüneburg, Germany

UV filters and benzotriazole UV stabilizers are considered emerging contaminants in the environment. LC–MS/MS and GC–MS methods, involving a single solid phase extraction protocol, were developed and validated to determine eight UV filters and seven UV stabilizers, respectively in wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Lüneburg, Germany. The LC–MS/MS method exhibited extraction recoveries of ≥ 71% at six different fortification levels with limits of detection (LODs) range of 0.02 ng mL−1 – 0.09 ng mL−1. Extraction recoveries of 47 to 119% at six different fortification levels were obtained for the GC–MS method with LODs range of 0.01 – 0.09 ng mL−1. Among the UV filters, the highest mean concentration was determined for octocrylene (OCR) in influent (3.49 ng mL−1) while the highest mean concentration was measured for 2-hydroxy-4-octyloxybenzophenone (UV 531) in influent (0.44 ng mL−1) among the UV stabilizers. Potential risk to aquatic organisms was assessed by the risk quotient approach. Only OCR presented a high risk to aquatic invertebrates whereas 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) and 2-ethylhexyl salicylate (EHS) posed high risks to algae. Benzotriazole UV stabilizers presented negligible risks to aquatic invertebrates and fish. This work reports the detection of rarely studied 4-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and UV 531 in WWTP influent and effluent. The occurrence and risk assessment of target benzotriazole UV stabilizers in wastewater from a German WWTP was demonstrated for the first time.

Fruit Position, Light Exposure and Fruit Surface Temperature Affect Colour Expression in a Dark-Red Apple Cultivar

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fruit position, light exposure and fruit surface temperature (FST) on apple fruit colour development and fruit quality at harvest, including sunburn damage severity. This was achieved by undertaking two experiments in a high-density planting of the dark-red apple ANABP 01 in Tatura, Australia. In the 2020–2021 growing season an experiment was conducted to draw relationships between fruit position and fruit quality parameters. Here, sample fruit position and level of light exposure were respectively determined using a static LiDAR system and a portable quantum photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) sensor. At harvest the sample fruit were analysed for percentage red colour coverage, objective colour parameters (L*, a*, b*, hue angle and chroma), sunburn damage, fruit diameter (FD), soluble solids concentration (SSC), flesh firmness (FF) and starch pattern index (SPI). A second experiment was conducted in the 2021–2022 growing season and focused on how fruit shading, light exposure and the removal of ultraviolet (UV) radiation affected the FST, colour development and harvest fruit quality. Five treatments were distributed among sample fruit: fully shaded with aluminium umbrellas, shaded for one month and then exposed to sunlight until harvest, exposed for one month and then shaded until harvest, covered with a longpass UV filter and a control treatment. The development of colour in this dark-red apple cultivar was highly responsive to aspects of fruit position, and the intensity and quality of light exposure. The best-coloured fruit were exposed to higher quantities of PAR, exposed to both PAR and UV radiation simultaneously and located higher in the tree canopy. Fruit that were fully exposed to PAR and achieved better colour development also displayed higher FST and sunburn damage severity.

Potential Beneficial Effects of Mineral Sunscreens on Acne-Prone Skin

Background: Sunscreens are critical products used against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. However, beyond the effect of sun protection, the inorganic UV filters zinc oxide and titanium dioxide have shown antimicrobial activity. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the potential additional beneficial effects of mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as antimicrobial agents on acne-prone skin. Methods: Transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH of twelve volunteers were measured before and 2 h after the application of three mineral sunscreens. The antimicrobial activity of the mineral sunscreens was determined against Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis in a time-kill test. Results and Discussion: The studied mineral sunscreens did not affect either the stratum corneum hydration or its integrity, but they increased the skin pH from 4 to 6, which could impact the skin microbiota balance. At the same time, the tested mineral sunscreens inhibited Cutibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: This study suggests that the two UV filters can have positive effects on acne-prone skin and, thus, extend the benefits of photoprotective formulations. Nevertheless, further research is currently being conducted.

Aqueous PEIE Soaking on ZnO for Ultraviolet Light Activation-Free Organic Photovoltaic Modules.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is typically needed to activate inverted organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with zinc oxide (ZnO) as electron transporting layer (ETL)for higher efficiency. However, UV light is a major cause for the degradation of organic active layers in OPVs. This is a contradiction that UV light activation enhances the efficiency but UV illumination deteriorates the stability. It is important to solve this contradiction to develop UV light activation-free OPV devices. Herein, a method of aqueous polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE) soaking on ZnO is reported to realize UV light activation-free OPV devices. The S-shape in current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of devices tested without UV light activation is eliminated through the treatment of aqueous PEIE soaking on ZnO. The treatment reduces the oxygen adsorbates, which is confirmed by Kelvin probe and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. A 10.08 cm2 organic photovoltaic module with the treated ZnO asETL showed high photovoltaic performance: VOC = 5.68 V, JSC = 2.7 mAcm-2, FF = 75.1%, and POutput = 11.5 mWcm-2 tested with the UV filter (light intensity of 0.788 sun). UV light activation is not needed for the modules to obtain high efficiency.

Effect of rainfall interception and resting period on the soil seed bank

The ecosystems across the world are affected by diverse impacts of climate change. Climate change will also affect soil seed bank as the seed bank is determined by the plants that are above the ground. This study was conducted to determine whether rainfall interception and resting period will affect the soil seed bank or not. Rainfall interception was employed as main plot treatment at four different levels—namely, 15%, 30%, 60%, and 0%—and the main plot treatments were each replicated five times using the rainout shelters arranged as main plot treatments in a split-plot experimental design. The main plots are 49 m2 (7 m × 7 m) in size and were covered by metal frame structures with V-shaped clear acrylic bands on top without ultraviolet filter, and these plots were sub-divided into two sub-plots to determine the effect of resting periods (70 and 90 days). The soil samples were 8 cm in diameter and 20 cm in depth (1,005 cm3). We used seed emergence method rather than seed separation method to determine the soil seed bank due to the very small size of some seeds for some species. The 60% rainfall interception resulted in significantly high forb densities at both resting periods. The forb densities decreased by 32 and 35% at 15% and 30%, while they increased by 195% at 60% rainfall interception compared to 0% rainfall interception at 70-day resting period. Resting period significantly affected grass densities at 60% rainfall as the densities were higher at 70- than 90-day resting period. At 90-day resting period, grass densities were significantly higher at 0% rainfall interception than the rest of the treatments, while the grass densities were significantly lower at 60% rainfall interception. The 60% rainfall interception resulted in significantly (p< 0.05) higher total densities (forbs and grass) in both resting periods. Total density increased by 2.9% and 143.48% at 15% and 60% rainfall interception, respectively. Our results show that drought has a negative effect on grass soil seed bank, while it improves the forbs soil seed bank. Furthermore, the resting period has no significant effects on soil seed bank in grasslands.

P-580 Benzophenone interrupted maturation of oocytes in vitro by promoting mitochondrial activity and inflammatory response in mice

Abstract Study question As an endocrine disrupting chemical, does benzophenone affect the competency of oocytes? Summary answer Benzophenone interfered with the in vitro maturation of oocytes and increased the number of mitochondria in oocytes by inducing of inflammatory response. What is known already Benzophenone (BP) is the organic compound used in ultraviolet (UV) filters due to its ability to absorb UV radiations and the applications of BP have a wide range in commercial/industrial products such as sunscreens, shampoos, lipsticks, food packaging, and plastics. However, BP is suspected to be an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC) that can cause adverse effects on the endocrine system by mimicking or blocking the response of hormones in the body. Study design, size, duration Intraperitoneal injection of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin was performed at 7-week-old female ICR mice for acquire the number of available cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs). After 46 hours post injection, COCs were harvested from antrum follicles in the ovary and cultured in in-vitro maturation medium for 16 hours. After that, oocytes were retrieved. Participants/materials, setting, methods During in vitro maturation, BP was treated at COCs and Metaphase II (MII) oocytes were separated from retrieved oocytes. Intracellular tubulin of MII oocytes was stained for spindle alignment and their mitochondria were quantified by Mito-tracker and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Also, the expression levels of inflammation-related genes were confirmed by reverse transcription-qPCR. Main results and the role of chance In the present study, MII rates (MII/total oocyte) of each group were 77.50% of control, 79.17% of 1 μM BP, 68.10% of 10 μM BP, and 59.35% of 100 μM BP. Compared with the control group, the MII rate were significantly reduced at 100 μM of BP-treated group. We evaluated the morphology of meiotic spindle in MII oocytes with well-organized tubulin fibers and tightly aligned chromosomes. Abnormal morphology of spindle and chromosomal misalignment were found in the oocytes from BP-treated group. Because it has been known that having the optimal number of functional mitochondria is important for the maturation of oocytes, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and the distribution of mitochondria were confirmed in retrieved MII oocytes. There was a significant 4.2-fold increase in the number of mtDNA copies in 100 μM BP treatment group compared to the control group. Also, the number of activated mitochondria was raised when BP was treated, which was assessed using Mitotracker. Additionally, levels of inflammation-related genes (IL-1β, IL-6) were elevated in BP treatment groups. Limitations, reasons for caution Oocytes used in this study were collected from mice, not human. And since in vitro fertilization did not perform by using the MII oocytes, we couldn’t confirm whether BP-treated MII oocytes were capable of fertilization. Wider implications of the findings As industries evolve, novel chemicals, including EDCs, are being developed, used, and exposed to humans. Therefore, we need to understand the effects of these chemicals and assess their reproductive toxicity. Collectively, we suggest that BP causes an inflammatory response which activate mitochondria and has detrimental effects on the oocyte’s maturation. Trial registration number not applicable

The Impact of Lignin Biopolymer Sources, Isolation, and Size Reduction from the Macro- to Nanoscale on the Performances of Next-Generation Sunscreen.

In recent years, concerns about the harmful effects of synthetic UV filters on the environment have highlighted the need for natural sun blockers. Lignin, the most abundant aromatic renewable biopolymer on Earth, is a promising candidate for next-generation sunscreen due to its inherent UV absorbance and its green, biodegradable, and biocompatible properties. Lignin's limitations, such as its dark color and poor dispersity, can be overcome by reducing particle size to the nanoscale, enhancing UV protection and formulation. In this study, 100-200 nm lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared from various biomass by-products (hardwood, softwood, and herbaceous material) using an eco-friendly anti-solvent precipitation method. Pure lignin macroparticles (LMPs) were extracted from beech, spruce, and wheat straw using an ethanol-organosolv treatment and compared with sulfur-rich kraft lignin (KL). Sunscreen lotions made from these LMPs and LNPs at various concentrations demonstrated novel UV-shielding properties based on biomass source and particle size. The results showed that transitioning from the macro- to nanoscale increased the sun protection factor (SPF) by at least 2.5 times, with the best results improving the SPF from 7.5 to 42 for wheat straw LMPs and LNPs at 5 wt%. This study underscores lignin's potential in developing high-quality green sunscreens, aligning with green chemistry principles.

Synthesis, Studies of Inorganic Class of Mohrite (MOH) Crystals for Electrical, Electronic, Photonic, Phase Matching and Sensor Utilities by Theory and Practice

The high-quality single crystals of Mohrite (MOH) with dimensions 7 × 6 × 3 mm3 were productively grown-up by the customary solution growth methodology. The fully grown crystals were focused to the appropriate structural, optical and electrical investigations. The MOH is monoclinic nature of the specimen with P21/c as the space group and lattice parameters are a as 6.2385 Å, b as 12.6076 Å, c as 9.2655 Å and beta is 106.526°. The crystalline structural authentication with single crystal XRD analysis and compared the same with software based associated results. FITR spectra reveal the vibrational modes of as grown crystals. Optical absorption spectral data divulges that the as-grown crystalline sample has higher optical transparent nature in the visible-NIR region. Photoluminescence intensity is remarkably enriched, shows high crystallinity of MOH. The results of UV, PL, electrical and photo conductivity, SEM, theoretical studies suggest MOH in photonic utility and device appliances especially in UV filters and in electronic filters, room temperature based sensor study for MOH is enabled and reported for red LED based work.

Analysis of the UV filter Benzophenone-3 assimilation in Crossostrea gigas oysters post-exposure in a controlled environment by LC-MS/MS

Benzophenone-3 (BP-3), utilized as a UV filter in cosmetic products, is an emerging contaminant that constitutes a threat to natural resources and environmental health. This study investigated the assimilation of the UV filter BP-3 in Crassostrea gigas oysters collected in Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Lyophilized oyster tissue extracts were prepared using the QuEChERS method, and LC-MS/MS was employed to determine the BP-3 concentration in the samples. The method was applied to specimens intentionally exposed to two concentrations of the contaminant, for different periods of exposure (1 and 7 days). Samples from treatment 1 (T1) were exposed to a concentration of 1 μg L−1 of the BP-3 standard, and samples from treatment 2 (T2) were exposed to a concentration of 100 μg L−1 of the BP-3 standard. The results revealed rapid absorption of BP-3, with an increase of 126% for lower concentrations, reaching 1.13 μg of BP-3 per gram of oyster tissue, and 17% for higher concentrations, reaching 34.6 μg of BP-3 per gram of oyster tissue after 7 days. The presence of BP-3 even in samples not directly exposed to the contaminant indicates its widespread environmental distribution. The rapid bioaccumulation suggests the need to consider seasonal variations, such as increased tourism in the summer. The validated analytical method demonstrated efficacy in quantifying BP-3, providing an integrated approach for long-term monitoring of pollution levels and their dynamic variations over time. In addition, variation in BP-3 levels in the samples may be related to transport patterns influenced by tides and discharges from septic system, highlighting the need to improve wastewater treatment. These findings underscore the necessity for continuous biomonitoring and effective environmental management to safeguard the health of marine ecosystems and humans.