Feasibility study on appication of synthetic biology approaches to high yield production of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids for use as UV-protectants.

The project is a collaboration between Newcastle University and Croda Europe to develop tools to produce natural UV-absorbing substances for use in sunscreens. These materials are produced by microorganisms which survive in ecosystems which are exposed to high light intensity and are an important mechanism for protecting cells against the harmful effects of UV-light. The project uses the genes from a natural organism (algae) in a bacterium with a long history of safe use in the manufacture of amino acids and vitamins. The manufacturing process is renewable and uses sustainable raw materials which do not compete with the food chain. The products developed in the project will be shown to be safe to humans and the environment and will reduce the overall dependence on petrochemical resources.