A Bioscreening Technique for Ultraviolet Irradiation Protective Natural Substances

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Biotechnology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Ultraviolet radiation (UV-R) induces skin damage and aging.
• Conventional sunscreens utilize synthetic UV filters with potential environmental and health concerns.
• Natural compounds offer a promising alternative to synthetic UV-blocking agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a streamlined method for screening UV-protective natural substances.
• To assess the genotoxicity of potential UV-blocking agents concurrently with their protective efficacy.
• To evaluate pine needle extract (PiNe) as a safe and effective UV-shielding agent.

Main Methods:

• A recombinant Escherichia coli biosensor was employed in a microplate assay.
• The assay detected both absorbance-based (physical) and bioactivity-based UV shields.
• Simultaneous genotoxicity assessment was integrated into the screening process.

Main Results:

• Oxybenzone provided UV protection but exhibited genotoxicity at higher concentrations (3.3 mg/mL).
• Pine needle extract (PiNe) demonstrated dose-dependent UV shielding without genotoxicity.
• The UV-shielding capacity of 5 mg/mL PiNe was comparable to 0.80 mg/mL TiO2.

Conclusions:

• The developed biosensor technique efficiently screens UV-protective natural substances.
• The method provides simultaneous genotoxicity data, crucial for safety assessment.
• Pine needle extract shows significant potential as a safe, nature-derived UV-blocking agent.