Evaluation of the photoprotective and photostabilizing potential of substances produced by the antarctic fungi Geomyces vinaceus and Rhinoclodiella similis

• Grant number: 22/15405-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Lorena Rigo Gaspar Cordeiro
• Grantee: Nayara Fernanda Tokashike de Araujo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, it is possible to observe that the general population has sought a better quality of life. Therefore, the concern with the use of cosmetics that prevent skin cancer has also been a constant - because in Brazil, despite the high daily rates of exposure to the sun, few people use protection measures, such as clothes, accessories, or sunscreens. Even knowing that skin cancer is directly related to exposure to ultraviolet rays. So, linked to this behavior, the search for cosmetic products associated with sustainability measures stands out, as well as the use of more natural ingredients, especially - precisely - for sunscreens. In order to meet this demand, the Cosmetics Industry continues to invest in more natural ingredients. Among these ingredients, compounds of marine origin stand out because of their high innovation potential, as well as evidence of absorption of high levels of ultraviolet radiation. In addition, the prospection of compounds produced by marine fungi has the advantage of his obtaining in large quantities through biotechnological processes. Thus, for this study, the fungi Geomyces vinaceus and Rhinoclodiella similis were selected, aiming to evaluate the photoprotective and photostabilizing potential of substances isolated from these fungi, through the evaluation of their safety and efficacy when associated with commercial sunscreens. First, the fungi will be cultivated on a large scale to obtain a greater amount of the fractions of interest previously selected in previous studies by our research group. The effect of UVA irradiation on the production of photoprotective compounds will also be evaluated. Next, the compounds of interest will be incorporated into photoprotective formulations, associated or not with avobenzone, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and bemotrizinol UV filters, for the evaluation of UV/visible absorption and photostability. The phototoxicity of the associations will be evaluated through the 3T3 NRU PT assay (OECD TG 432), and the evaluation of UVB and UVA protection will be performed through cytotoxicity and inhibition of UVA-induced ROS generation, respectively, both in cell culture.