Evaluation of the photoprotective, photostabilizing and anti-pollution potential of substances produced by Antarctic fungi

• Grant number: 24/06411-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: October 01, 2024
• End date: September 30, 2026
• 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

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) harms skin health and is directly related to premature aging and carcinogenesis. The daily use of sunscreens is recommended to prevent these effects. Some sunscreens are associated with environmental impacts, such as coral bleaching, making it necessary to search for new substances that can act to protect against radiation without causing damage to the environment. In this context, Antarctic marine organisms stand out, as they have the potential to innovate and absorb high levels of radiation, given that the continent is subject to the highest incidence of UV rays in the world. Previous results obtained from the cultivation and fractionation of the Antarctic fungus Rhinocladiella similis have shown that some of its fractions are photostable, as well as reducing the generation of UVA-induced ROS and not showing phototoxic potential. Thus, the PhD project will aim to complement the results already obtained by analyzing the photoprotective, antioxidant and anti-pollution potential of these extracts in 3D bioprinted skin models subjected to nebulization. In addition, tests will be conducted to evaluate the photoprotective, photostabilizing and anti-pollution potential using a new Antarctic endophytic fungus, Sarocladium sp., whose fractions have shown broad absorption in the UV region. The inflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL-18 will be quantified using ELISA.