Author: Hakuto Kageyama

An Introduction to Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids

eBook: US $49 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $84
Printed Copy: US $59
Library License: US $196
ISBN: 978-981-5136-09-8 (Print)
ISBN: 978-981-5136-08-1 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2023
DOI: 10.2174/97898151360811230101

Introduction

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), have the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays, and are widely used as active ingredients in cosmetics such as sunscreens. They also have many bioactive properties that make them an attractive ingredient for pharmaceuticals and functional food.

This book summarizes information about the molecular structures, activities and applications of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). It aims to be an introductory book for undergraduate and graduate students in applied sciences, or as a handbook for researchers in pharmaceutical chemistry and cosmetics.

Key features

- 11 structured chapters covering the biochemistry of MAAs

- Introduces readers to biochemical and synthetic pathways of MAAs

- Presents information on many bioactive properties of MAAs including helioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-collagenase effects

- Simple, clear explanations for learners

- Academic and scholarly references for advanced readers

- Illustrated appendices

Audience

undergraduates and graduates in applied courses in pharmaceutical chemistry and cosmetic sciences; industry researchers

Preface

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which have the property of absorbing ultraviolet rays, are natural compounds that are applied in the cosmetics field as the active ingredient in sunscreens. In recent years, it has become clear that MAAs have various useful functions such as antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory action as well as ultraviolet absorption ability. Therefore, applications may be considered and developed not only in the cosmetics field but also in various fields such as pharmaceuticals and foods. Patents have already been filed by companies around the world, and cosmetic ingredients and skin care products containing MAAs have been launched on the market.

This book details the molecular structures, activities, and application examples of MAAs and is intended to be used as an introductory book for undergraduate and graduate students in science or as a handbook for researchers. I aim to make the descriptions as clear as possible. In the text, references to academic research are cited as appropriate. I hope that this book will help to deepen the knowledge of MAAs.

This book is based on an English translation of my book Mycosporine-like Amino Acids Nyumon, published by Sankeisha in Japan in 2021. I was able to take the opportunity to review and remake the full text of the book and to incorporate the latest information. I would like to thank all the people involved in the production of this book. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Rungaroon Waditee-Sirisattha of Chulalongkorn University, a collaborator who has been conducting research on cyanobacteria and MAAs for many years.

Hakuto Kageyama
Graduate School of Environmental and Human Sciences/
Faculty of Science and Technology
Meijo University
Japan