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Cyanobacterial Sunscreen Scytonemin: Role in Photoprotection and Biomedical Research

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Abstract

Cyanobacteria are the most promising group of photosynthetic microorganisms capable of producing an array of natural products of industrial importance. Scytonemin is a small hydrophobic alkaloid pigment molecules present in the extracellular sheath of several cyanobacteria as a protective mechanism against short wavelength solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It has great efficacy to minimize the production of reactive oxygen species and formation of DNA lesions. The biosynthesis of scytonemin is regulated by different physico-chemical stressors. Scytonemin display multiple roles, functioning as a potent UV sunscreen and antioxidant molecules, and can be exploited in cosmetic and other industries for the development of new cosmeceuticals. Herein, we review the occurrence, biosynthesis, and potential application of scytonemin in photoprotection, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.

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Acknowledgments

Rajesh P Rastogi is thankful to the University Grant Commission (UGC), New Delhi, India, for Dr. D. S. Kothari Post-Doctoral Research Grant. Ravi R. Sonani thanks DST, New Delhi, for INSPIRE fellowship.

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The authors declare that there is no any ethical issue.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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  1. BRD School of Biosciences, Sardar Patel Maidan, Vadtal Road, Satellite Campus, Sardar Patel University, Post Box No. 39, Vallabh Vidyanagar, 388 120, Anand, Gujarat, India

    Rajesh Prasad Rastogi, Ravi Raghav Sonani & Datta Madamwar

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  1. Rajesh Prasad Rastogi
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  3. Datta Madamwar
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Correspondence to Rajesh Prasad Rastogi or Datta Madamwar.

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Rastogi, R.P., Sonani, R.R. & Madamwar, D. Cyanobacterial Sunscreen Scytonemin: Role in Photoprotection and Biomedical Research. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 176, 1551–1563 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-015-1676-1

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