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Sunscreens from the sea

19 July 2001

Tiny floating plants protect themselves against the damaging effects of the sun's ultra violet rays using compounds that may prove very useful to the skincare industry.

Scientists at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory are now working with Boots Company plc to develop the potential of these natural sunscreens for human skincare.

"Because phytoplankton live in the surface of the sea they are at risk from the sun's damaging UV rays" said Carole Llewellyn, a marine chemist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory. "These tiny plants have evolved over millions of years and have found a variety of ways to protect themselves, including the production of compounds that block out UV light".

Carole was part of a team of researchers carrying out a broader study of how phytoplankton in our oceans might respond to global change when she realised the possible commercial potential.

Research by Carole on the variety of phytoplankton in our oceans has identified the types and levels of these compounds that protect phytoplankton. This has led to the partnership with the healthcare industry, and Ed Galley, Scientific Adviser for Boots, said, "We are interested in these compounds because any products developed will be derived from a natural, renewable source."

A patent has been filed by Plymouth Marine Laboratory in collaboration with Boots Company PLC.

The thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer results in increased amounts of UV reaching our oceans. This may cause some types of algae, including phytoplankton, to die out while those protected by the algal sunscreen may do well. Changes in phytoplankton could affect fish populations and have an impact on climate if the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the oceans were to change.

The finding about algal sunscreens is one of many science achievements featured in the Annual Report of the Natural Environment Research Council, published today, 19 July 2001.

Further information

Carole Llewellyn
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Tel: 01752 633461

Dave Robins
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
Tel: 01792 633414
Out of hours mob: 07880 741494

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. Microscopic algae in our oceans are the tiny wandering plants known as phytoplankton. Phytoplankton populate the surface of the sea where they need the sun for photosynthesis and to survive. They form the basis of the marine food chain.

2. The UK Natural Environment Research Council funds and carries out impartial scientific research in the sciences of the environment. NERC trains the next generation of independent environmental scientists.

3. Plymouth Marine Laboratory is part of NERC. It undertakes fundamental and strategic research to underpin the marine requirements of the United Kingdom. It carries out its mission through key partnerships and collaborations with organisations throughout the world.

Press release: 11/01

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