Preventing sun-induced skin damage with algae-derived compounds

Sunburn prevention and treatment is a large and growing worldwide market. Current options pose problems for both human health and the environment. Macroalgae are potential sources of novel, natural and ecologically friendly compounds that can be used for this purpose. Some of these sun-protective compounds have already been found in certain macroalgae. However, many others remain to be discovered with the screening of more macroalgae species. Macroalgae can be problematic to identify definitively by morphology due to a high degree of phenotypic plasticity, together with many species having morphological similarity. Identification of the source (i.e., the species) of useful compounds is critical to developing a commercial product.