For consumers searching for just the right sunblock this summer, the options can be overwhelming. But scientists are now turning to the natural sunscreen of algae — which is also found in fish slime — to make a novel kind of shield against the sun’s rays that could protect not only people, but also textiles and outdoor materials.
They report on their development in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
Existing sunblock lotions typically work by either absorbing ultraviolet rays or physically blocking them. A variety of synthetic and natural compounds can accomplish this. But most commercial options have limited efficiency, pose risks to the environment and human health or are not stable. To address these shortcomings, Vincent Bulone, Susana C. M. Fernandes and colleagues looked to nature for inspiration.
The researchers used algae’s natural sunscreen molecules, which can also be found in reef fish mucus and microorganisms, and combined them with chitosan, a biopolymer from crustacean shells. Testing showed their materials were biocompatible, stood up well in heat and light, and absorbed both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B radiation with high efficiency.
The Latest on: Algae sunscreen
[google_news title=”” keyword=”Algae sunscreen” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]
via Google News
The Latest on: Algae sunscreen
- Can red tide kill you? Here's what the microscopic algae can do to people, fish.on March 28, 2023 at 7:25 am
Dead fish and other marine life are washed ashore on beaches because of harmful algae. Red tide occurs when microscopic algae multiply to higher-than-normal concentrations, often turning the water ...
- Health department issues alert for blue-green algae toxins in Tiger Lake near Lake Waleson March 28, 2023 at 7:25 am
A water sample taken Tuesday in the center of Tiger Lake detected cyanotoxins, which are associated with blue-green algae, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
- Mālama: Restore a Local Marine Ecosystemon March 28, 2023 at 7:01 am
On a cool Saturday morning, 45 volunteers wearing water shoes and hats start a 10-minute trek from Kuli‘ou‘ou Beach Park to Paikō Beach on O‘ahu, nets in Volunteers can help Mālama Maunalua remove ...
- Move Aside Solar, We’re Installing An Algae Panelon March 27, 2023 at 5:00 pm
[Cody] of Cody’sLab has been bit by what he describes as the algae growing bug. We at Hackaday didn’t know that was a disease floating around, but we’ll admit that we’re not surprised ...
- Tampa launches buoys aimed at reducing blue-green algae in Hillsborough Riveron March 27, 2023 at 4:38 pm
These buoys are equipped with technology to reduce blue-green algae in the water. Algae moves to the water surface for photosynthesis to grow and to the bottom of the water column for nutrients.
- ‘I’m a Tattoo Artist, and These Are the Sunscreens I Recommend To Keep Your Ink from Fading’on March 27, 2023 at 2:26 pm
Depending on your tattoo and how your skin heals, Smith says you can start applying sunscreen after at least two weeks. "Before using sunscreen, it's important to consult with your tattoo artist ...
- The Best Sunscreens For Scars, According To A Dermon March 24, 2023 at 1:27 pm
Dr. Ofodile tells Bustle that the best sunscreens for scars are mineral-based, and have an SPF of 45 or higher. Why? “Physical or mineral sunscreens are preferred due to their broad-spectrum ...
- New Launch! Meet Tula’s Shine-Reducing Ultimate Sun Serumon March 24, 2023 at 7:46 am
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships so we may receive compensation for some links to products and services. It’s time to get serious about your sunscreen. We know, we know — we’re serious about our ...
- The 7 Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin From Head to Toeon March 20, 2023 at 11:56 am
Mineral sunscreens, often called physical sunscreens ... cucumber extract, caffeine, algae extract, Vitamin E, shea oil, maracuja oil, and bisabolol. All of that is contained in this daily ...
via Bing News