Team:Stuttgart/Implementation
In our proposed Implementation we want to show, why “TardiSun” is new and innovative method to protect surfaces and our skin. In the following text we illustrate who can use TardiSun and what are the current problems we want to solve with a new UV-protection.
Where to use it?
- In living cells during live cell imaging
- On surfaces (polymers, other UV-sensitive surfaces etc.)
- On skin
Who can use it?
- Construction industry
- Coating experts
- Researchers
- Dermatologists
Life-cell imaging:
The observation of living cells is essential for documenting cell processes like mitosis, growth and cellular pathways. The constant observation of the cells over live-cell imaging leads to phototoxicity, which leads to apoptosis. To achieve longer observation times of the cells, the toxicity needs to be reduced to avoid DNA damage and cell death. If the DSUP protein does not lead to any interferences within the model cells, it seems to be a good possibility to shield the DNA and protect the cells of apoptosis.
Materials:
Polymeric material is used in many areas and can be changed due to radiation exposure. UV-light leads to decomposition and degradation of organic compounds and the loss of mechanical properties, colour, flexibility etc. [3]. As a result the functions of these materials are limited and the materials have to be replaced after a period of time. A significant example are the plastic components of photovoltaic elements, these should last as long as the whole module, to support renewable energy development [5]. Also in other parts of the construction industry are robust materials necessary. To achieve a more sustainable and safer solution, these surface materials need to last longer and tolerate more UV radiation. “TardiSun” could give a great impact on the fight against plastic pollution.
Sunlight-risks?
UV-radiation can be divided into three wavelength ranges: UVA, UVB and UVC. Only UVA - and UVB – rays can reach the surface of the Earth, but all forms can induce tissue damage, lead to cancer and damage the DNA. UVA causes the formation of reactive oxygen species, which can indirectly cause DNA damage by creating breaks in the tertiary structure. UVB is absorbed by DNA and causes structural damage. In addition, UVR exposure causes mutations in p53 tumour suppressor genes which play an important role in DNA repair and cellular death (apoptosis) in cells that have sustained DNA damage. Analysis of p53 gene mutations induced by UVR has shown that there is a connection between UVR exposure, DNA damage and skin carcinogenesis [2].
Why do we need another sun protection?
Even if we have already a broad spectrum of sunscreen, there is always a huge need for better innovations. Due to climate change and the ozone leak sunscreen need to be stronger and better to protect the skin reliable.
Problems with sunscreens:
Sunscreens contain many different ingredients, most important the UV-filters for protection. Substances, which are responsible for the filter effect are oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, octocrylene, and octinoxate (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)[1]. These chemicals are very effective in their filter properties, so they can be found in almost all sunscreens. Cremes with organic-chemical filters can lead to allergic reactions and could lead to disturbances within the hormone system. Ingredients of cremes might be harmful, for example, Oxybenzone-3 and Retinylpalmitate. Oxybenzone can lead to skin cancer, cell damage and endometriosis. Retinylpalimitat increases the risk for skin cancer[1].
These ingredients are not only dangerous for humans, but they can also harm the environment as well. Studies have identified UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, and ethylhexyl salicylate in almost all water sources around the world and have commented that these filters are not easily removed by common wastewater treatment plant technique (Schneider and Lim 2019). Oxybenzone was identified as a coral reef bleacher and some ingredients got identified within fish and other ocean animals. The huge amount of sunscreen used by humans all over the world gets into the ocean and leads to bleaching of the corals, this is an effect of stress, where the corals expel the algae in their tissue. [2]
Figure1: the impact of sunscreen on corals: on the left side the untreated corals, on the right side the treated corals with sunscreen [2].
This is only one example of how sunscreen destroys natural ecosystems. As a result, a new method to protect the environment and our skin is necessary. A sunscreen based on the DSUP protein would be a natural alternative.
Is TardiSun the solution?
Due to these problems, a new alternative for protection against the sun is necessary. Earlier studies have shown, that DSUP protects the DNA of HEK293 cells from UV-induced damage [4]. If we could show the same function extracellularly, the solved protein could be used as a sunscreen. A protein-based sunscreen without harming chemicals would be the solution for persons with sensitive skin and reduce the risks of getting skin cancer.
[4] Studies have shown a better UV-Tolerance and viability of HEK293 cells in a cell culture by adding Dsup.
Sources:
[1] Samantha L. Schneider, Henry W. Lim, Review of environmental effects of oxybenzone and other sunscreen active ingredients, Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Volume 80, Issue 1,2019, Pages 266-271, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2018.06.033
[2] Raffa, RB, Pergolizzi, JV, Taylor, R, Kitzen, JM; for the NEMA Research Group. Sunscreen bans: Coral reefs and skin cancer. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2019; 44: 134- 139.https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.12778
[3] Zayat, M., et al. (2007). "Preventing UV-light damage of light sensitive materials using a highly protective UV-absorbing coating." Chemical Society Reviews 36(8): 1270-1281.
[4] Hashimoto T, Kunieda T. DNA Protection Protein, a Novel Mechanism of Radiation Tolerance: Lessons from Tardigrades. Life (Basel). 2017;7(2):26. Published 2017 Jun 15. doi:10.3390/life7020026
[5] Andrady, A. L.; Pandey, K. K.; Heikkilä, A. M. (2019): Interactive effects of solar UV radiation and climate change on material damage. In: Photochem. Photobiol. Sci. 18 (3), S. 804–825. DOI: 10.1039/C8PP90065E.