Sunscreen compounds

Honkanen T, Jormalainen V, Hemmi A, Makinen A, Heikkila N (2002) Feeding and growth of the isopod Idotea baltica on the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus. roles of inter-population and within-plant variation in plant quality. Ecoscience 9 332-338 Eloyer K, Karsten U, Wiencke C (2002) Induction of sunscreen compounds in Antarctic macroalgae by different radiation conditions. Mar Biol 141 619-627 Ilvessalo H, Tuomi J (1989) Nutrient availability and accumulation of phenolic compounds in the brown algae Fucus vesiculosus. Mar Biol 101 115-119 Jones CG, Firn RD (1991) On the evolution of plant chemical diversity. Phil Trans R Soc Lond B, Biol Sci 333 273-280... 

Sporopollenin is a complex polymer made up of a diversity of aromatic and aliphatic residues, which occurs in many algal cell walls where it non-specifically attenuates UV radiation (Xiong et al. 1997). It may therefore act as a constitutive UV sunscreen compound. 

Hoyer K, Karsten U, Wiencke C (2002) Induction of sunscreen compounds in Antarctic macroalgae by different radiation conditions. Mar Biol 141 619-627... 

Karsten U, Sawall T, West JA, Wiencke C (2000) Ultraviolet sunscreen compounds in epiphytic red algae from mangroves. Hydrobiologia 432 159-171... 

I. 8-Methoxypsoralen, chlorpromazine and sunscreen compounds in bacterial and yeast assays. Mutation Research,... 

The location and concentration of MAAs within cells and various tissues are prime determinants of effective UV screening. If UV absorption equates to a protective function, then sunscreening compounds would provide maximum benefit if located in external surfaces of cells and organisms.175 In unicellular taxa, MAA distribution and localization are vital factors for cell survival. Since MAAs are water soluble, it is not likely that they would be an integral part of cell membranes, but it is plausible that they are dissolved in the cytoplasm. 

Horn omen thyl saUcylate (homosalate), employed as a sunscreen agent, is on a Hst of 21 compounds for OTC sunscreen products, recommended by the FDA advisory review panel on OTC bum and sunburn prevention as both "safe and effective" (30). Menthyl saUcylate (6) is also a sunscreen agent. 

Perfumes, Flavors, Cosmetics, and Soap. Many naturally occurring esters in essential oils and some synthetic esters are important fragrance and flavor compounds (61,62). They are used in perfumes, flavors, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and air fresheners. Benzyl, butyl, ethyl, methyl, and phenyl esters of benzoic acid are used as flavors, perfumes, and food preservatives. Glyceryl 4-aminobenzoate [136-44-7] and 2-ethyUiexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate [21245-02-3] are used in cosmetic sunscreen preparations. Alkyl esters of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, called parabens, have been used under various names for fungus infections of the skin, and as preservatives in lotions and creams (101). Soap and cosmetic fragrances use large amounts of amyl and benzyl saHcylate. Benzyl saHcylate [118-58-1] is also used in deodorant sprays. 2-Ethylhexyl saHcylate [118-60-5] and 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate [5466-77-3] are used in sunscreen formulations (102). 

How do Phytoplankton Cope with Enhanced UV Several investigators have reported the existence in Antarctic algae of UV-absorbing mycosporine amino acids identical to those of tropical and temperate marine species (37). These compounds absorb in the UV-B region of the spectrum and may act as sunscreens which may provide some measure of protection from damaging UV-B. 

Sun worshipers and those who work outside can protect themselves from ultraviolet exposure with skin creams that contain UV-absorbing molecules. The UV-absorbing molecule in the first sunscreens was PABA, para-aminobenzoic acid. However, this compound may have toxic effects of its own. The UV-absorbing components of current sunscreens are derivatives of cinnamic acid and benzophenone. 

Zinc oxide is the most important zinc compound. The principal industrial use of zinc oxide is as a catalyst to shorten the time of vulcanization in the production of mbber. The compound also is used as a white pigment in paints, cosmetics, and photocopy paper, hi everyday life, ZnO is also a common sunscreen. 

Sometimes for some very potent pollutants analytical methodologies provide limits of detection (LODs) higher than the concentrations that cause effects, as derived from ecotoxicological studies. Therefore efforts in the field of analytical chemistry (see Sect. 2) are focused on making available the necessary analytical capabilities to detect pollutants at the required low levels found in the environment. This was the case of pharmaceuticals, illicit drugs, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), sunscreens/UV filters, etc. few years ago. However, this list is likely to increase with new family candidates. 

In this chapter, among the large variety of compounds, we include some of the emerging contaminants most commonly found in sewage sludge pharmaceutical compounds, estrogens, illicit drugs, UV filters (sunscreens), BFRs, and PFCs. 

OC (7.71 pg g-1), EHMC (1.03 pg g 1) and 4-MBC (0.520 pg g 1) were the most abundant UV-F detected in the raw sludge. The remaining sunscreens were found at concentrations below 0.1 pg g 1. Removal values were higher than 58% for most of the compounds (Table 2), including the complete elimination of BP1. Only BP3 was poorly removed (22%), while 4DHB showed complete recalcitrance and could not be transformed in the process. Higher removals were expected for the least... 

Besides these toxic effects, many studies showed the potential for oestrogenic activity of several sunscreen agents. These effects can be detected in vivo or at in vitro assays. The last are usually more sensitive than the former, concluding sometimes in an overestimation of the effects. Nevertheless, in vitro assays are faster and cheaper and allow a rapid screening of oestrogenic compounds. Therefore, a combination of different assays is recommended in order to have a wide spectrum of toxicity data that would allow performing a reliable risk assessment. 

Zeolites have recently found application in the field of sunscreens, which are organic compounds acting as efficient filters of UV-A and UV-B (Table 12.1). 

In a different arena, a new sunscreen is under development from chemical compounds produced by reef-building corals. Corals living in a reef cannot move about, and in shallow water they are continually exposed to the sun s ultraviolet rays. This radiation can be as harmful to corals as to humans, so it seemed likely that sedentary corals must somehow limit radiation damage to their bodies. Pursuing this idea in the laboratory, investigators found that corals synthesize a family of ultraviolet-absorbing compounds. 

Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAA) Small molecular weight organic compounds that absorb UV light and are thought to function as natural sunscreens. 

Poiger, T. Buser, H.-R. Balmer, M.E. Bergqvist, P.-A. Muller, M.D. 2004, Occurrence of UV filter compounds from sunscreens in surface waters Regional mass balance in two Swiss lakes. Chemosphere 55 951—963. 

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