Northwestern University dermatologists and chemical bioengineers have cooked up a synthetic form of the naturally occurring pigmented polymer melanin. The natural melanin lends color to human tissues, protects the tissues from harmful ultraviolet radiation, and has antioxidant characteristics that help neutralize the reactive oxygen metabolic waste products that arise in our tissues.
The synthetic nanoparticle melanin does all these things but better. The biocompatible, nontoxic, clear, non-absorbable material sits on the skin’s surface and protects against not only UV radiation but also toxic chemicals. It features a modified chemical structure with enhanced anti-oxidative properties that efficiently scavenges oxygen free radicals. It protects while it speeds healing. It works both before and after sun exposure. This super melanin cream moderates the skin’s own protective systems to prevent autoimmune-type damage as healing occurs.
The currently-available melanin creams will likely be joined and then replaced by this super melanin product once it is commercialized.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41536-023-00331-1
#melanin #healing #uv #antioxidants #nanotechnology
Category
🗞
News