G. L. Tiwari

Emerging applications of cyanobacterial ultraviolet protecting compound scytonemin

Cyanobacteria are one of the most ancient life forms present today. This phylum of organisms is capable of photosynthesis, and they depend on solar radiation for their survival. They are found under diverse climatic conditions where ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage cellular machinery. In order to be protected from harmful radiation, many cyanobacteria produce the UV radiation-absorbing compound, scytonemin in the extracellular sheath. In this review, characteristic features of seven sheath-forming cyanobacteria are shown and genes involved in scytonemin biosynthesis are discussed. Scytonemin as a sunscreen compound and its biomedical applications are also summarized. Recent advances on the application of scytonemin as a biosignature for extraterrestrial life on Mars are also discussed.