Solar Protection Via Space

Nadim Shaath, Alpha Research & Development Ltd  02.01.21

​Most of my recent columns have dealt with sunscreen regulations or the lack thereof. Regulation proceedings are at a standstill due to the change in Administration and the COVID-19 epidemic, so this column is focused on other sunscreen developments and issues. This column details a novel development in the industry, as well as sunscreen SPF testing and why many sunscreens do not meet the SPF claims on their products.

From Space and Back
A novel new development in solar radiation protection that originated from space research was announced by Liberty Biosecurity, regarding a unique biological isolate obtained from a national government space exploration agency that affords significant UV shielding properties.1 This new ingredient, registered in 2020 as Bacillus lysate, has shown the ability to absorb broad spectrum UV insults spanning the UVC, UVB, UVA, HEV and the near IR range. A safe, environmentally friendly, natural biological technology that affords protection from radiation emitted throughout the solar spectrum, it may provide both industry and clinicians with a breakout capability. The timing of this invention is excellent, as it coincides with an expanding body of research examining the human health implications of chronic exposure to these wavelengths in terms of hyper-pigmentation, erythema, inflammation and stimulation of reactive oxygen species that may produce conditions in tissues more favorable to causing disease and skin cancer.

Bacillus lysate is currently produced at a European pharmaceutical facility and will debut this year as an SPF booster in skin care products for the protection from the harmful solar radiation (UV, HEV, IR). This research has the potential to create drug candidates to replace and/or complement the current UV absorbing ingredients that have come under increasing pressure by consumers, environmentalists, regulators and healthcare professionals. Themost fascinating aspect of this research was the observation that the bacteria managed to survive on the exterior of the Earth-orbiting satellite by being resistant to chronic UV radiation, especially UVC! Working with organisms that are discovered at the “extreme” boundaries of nature—high temperature, high pressure, high radiation and other environments that are hostile to most life forms enabled Liberty Biosecurity to bring this innovation to consumers.

Another biological development in this field that has not yet seen the light as a UV protectant has been the research conducted on the use of biocompatible mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA), which occur naturally in a wide range of marine species.2 Their potential for human protection has been understudied. Those developments in biological research that may lead to ingredients with significant UV and other solar radiation potential are exciting and promise to produce safe, natural and truly effective sun care protection products in the future.
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