Marcella La Cioppa Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a synthetic melanin that is even more effective at protecting the skin from sun damage, burns and other external factors than its natural counterpart
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Melanin, the natural pigment found in our skin, hair, and eyes, acts as the body’s defense mechanism against sunlight damage, air pollution, and other environmental hazards. Yet, the natural melanin levels in our skin may not always provide adequate protection against certain threats, such as prolonged sun exposure or chemical contact, which can lead to painful burns.
The marvel of synthetic melanin
In an innovative approach, scientists have bypassed the challenges of replicating naturally occurring melanin, which is molecularly unstable and complex to study.
Instead, they have engineered a new type of melanin that is more effective at scavenging and neutralizing skin-damaging free radicals and absorbing heavy metals and toxins.
” this synthetic variant is biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and transparent when applied to the skin. According to research findings, it acts like an efficient sponge that removes harmful agents, providing an extra layer of protection to the skin.
The study
@Nature
During tests of synthetic melanin as a sunscreen, researchers found that the cream settled on the skin instead of being absorbed, shielding it from sun damage. This discovery hints at its potential usefulness in enhancing sunscreens and other skincare products. The research team believes it could also safeguard the skin of cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Burns treated with super melanin were up to 50% smaller and healed significantly faster—within 10-12 days, compared to more than 16 days for untreated burns.
Additionally, the scientists applied a chemical to create blisters on 20 human skin tissue samples. After applying synthetic melanin to half of these samples a few hours later, they observed that the treated samples healed much quicker than those left untreated.
Looking ahead, the Northwestern team has already conducted trials demonstrating that synthetic melanin does not irritate human skin, a crucial requirement for any topical product. They are now focusing on testing its effectiveness in treating skin injuries and burns.
Source: Nature
