ReviewCurrent microbiology2026
Microscopic Fungi as Sources of Natural UV-Protective Compounds.
Review in Current microbiology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
Abstract
The search for sustainable and biocompatible alternatives to synthetic sunscreens has intensified due to concerns about the safety and environmental persistence of conventional UV filters. Although algae and bacteria have been extensively explored as sources of photoprotective metabolites, microscopic fungi remain comparatively neglected despite remarkable metabolic diversity and ecological adaptability. This review synthesizes research from 2014 to 2025 on fungal metabolites with photoprotective potential, including melanins, mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), carotenoids, quinones, xanthones, and alkaloids. These compounds absorb UV radiation and display complementary antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Experimental evidence indicates that fungal metabolites can protect keratinocytes, fibroblasts, and reconstructed skin models from UV-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage, achieving sun protection factor (SPF) values comparable to commercial formulations. Advances in extraction, fermentation, and synthetic biology are enhancing production efficiency, while innovative delivery systems, such as nanoparticles, improve stability and dermal penetration. Extremophilic fungi and engineered yeasts stand out as promising biotechnological platforms for scalable biosynthesis. Despite remaining challenges in yield optimization, formulation stability, and regulatory validation, microscopic fungi represent a largely untapped resource for developing multifunctional, eco-friendly sunscreens and cosmeceuticals that integrate UV protection with broader skin health benefits.
Indexed as
Identifiers
42310121What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.