Researchers at Meijo University in Japan report that the cyanobacterium Aphanothece sacrum can synthesize compounds that protect the skin and slow aging. The findings were published in the ACS Agricultural Science and Technology journal.
Aphanothece sacrum is a blue-green alga that is suitable for human consumption.
In the study, the team found that saclipins A and B are produced when the alga experiences drought stress, and these molecules can absorb ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
To test saclipins, the researchers dried and ground the cyanobacteria and examined their effects on skin cells. The extracts appeared to support the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in human skin fibroblasts. In addition, saclipins inhibited the enzyme tyrosinase and reduced melanin production in B16 melanoma cells in mice.
Experts say the discovery could enable scalable cultivation of Aphanothece sacrum, providing a low-cost source of raw materials for anti-aging cosmetics, according to Meijo University researchers.
Earlier researchers explored growing meat with microalgae solutions.