Abstract
Solar ultra violet radiation (UVR) causes skin cancer which is the most common cancer worldwide. Microorganisms, plants and animals have evolved strategies to mitigate UVR-induced damage, one of which is synthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA). MAA are highly photostable, absorb in the UV region and are anti-oxidants. Little research has been carried out to determine their potential as sunscreens and their disposition in skin. In this PhD project the physicochemical properties and potencies of selected MAA will be characterised, their accumulation and permeation will be monitored in human skin and prototype formulations for use in humans will be developed.
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