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Phyllosphere Methylobacterium bacteria contain UVA-absorbing compounds
Shigenobu Yoshida1, Syuntaro Hiradate2, Motoo Koitabashi3
1Division of Plant Disease Management, Central Region Agricultural Research Center, NARO, 2-1-18, Kan-nondai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8666, Japan.
Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology. B, Biology
|January 10, 2017
Summary
Bacterial strains from plant leaves produce compounds that absorb harmful ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. This novel UVA-absorbing compound from Methylobacterium bacteria shows potential as a stable sunscreen ingredient.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Phyllosphere microbes face damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Adaptive strategies are crucial for microbial survival in UV-exposed environments.
- Ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation poses risks to both microbial and human skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen phyllosphere bacteria for ultraviolet A (UVA)-absorbing compounds.
- To identify the bacterial genus responsible for UVA absorption.
- To characterize the properties and potential applications of the isolated UVA-absorbing compound.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 200 bacterial isolates from plant phyllosphere.
- Spectrophotometric analysis of methanol extracts for UVA absorption (315-400nm).
- 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for bacterial identification.
- Solvent extraction and purification using column chromatography and HPLC.
- Comparative analysis with avobenzone and stability testing under UVA exposure.
Main Results:
- Seventeen bacterial isolates exhibited UVA absorption.
- All UVA-absorbing strains were identified as Methylobacterium species.
- The UVA-absorbing compound is highly polar and stable under UVA irradiation.
- The purified compound's absorption spectrum and strength resemble avobenzone.
Conclusions:
- Methylobacterium species harbor potent UVA-absorbing compounds.
- The isolated compound demonstrates potential as a novel, stable sunscreen ingredient.
- This discovery offers a natural alternative for UV protection in skincare products.
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