Ectoine Functions and Benefits in Skin and Eyes
Jun 14,2024
What is Ectoine?
Ectoine is an important natural secondary metabolite in halophilic microorganisms. It protects cells against environmental stressors, such as salinity, freezing, drying, and high temperatures. Ectoine is widely used in medical, cosmetic, and other industries.
(S)-2-Methyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydroprimidine-4-carboxylic
acid, commonly known as ectoine (Fig. 1), is a cyclic amino
acid derivative of aspartate, with the molecular formula
C6H10N202 and a molecular mass of 142.16. It was first
isolated from Ectothiorhodospira halochloris by Galinski
et al. Ectoine is a polar, soluble, and uncharged
small organic compound. It can alleviate the effects of high
osmotic pressure, high temperature, freeze-thawing, dehydration, radiation, and organic chemical reagents on proteins,
nucleic acids, biofilms, and whole viable cells.
Synthesis of Ectoine
The synthetic pathway
of ectoine belongs to the aspartate family metabolism
branch. The ectoine synthesis pathway, occurring from the
precursor metabolite L-aspartate-?-semialdehyde (ASA),
comprises the sequential activities of three enzymes:
2,4-diaminobutyrate acetyltransferase (EctA), L-2,4-
diaminobutyrate transaminase (EctB), and ectoine synthase
(EctC). First, L-aspartate-β-semialdehyde is catalyzed to
L-2,4-diaminobutyrate (DABA) by L-2,4-diaminobutyrate
transaminase (EctB). DABA is then converted to N-acetyl-
2,4-diaminobutyrate (ADABA) by 2,4-diaminobutyrate
acetyltransferase (EctA). Finally, ADABA is catalyzed to
ectoine by ectoine synthase (EctC). In some microorganisms,
ectoine can be further transformed to hydroxyectoine by a
hydroxylase (EctD) (Fig. 2).
Functions and Benefits in Skin and Eyes
Ectoine contains agents that protect enzymes, DNA, and whole cells against stresses, such as freezing, drying, and heating. In recent years, additional properties of interest were found for ectoine. Ectoine is thought to counteract the effects of UV-A-induced and accelerate skin aging, which is why it is used as a dermatological cosmetic additive in moisturizers for the care of aged, dry, and irritated skin. Ectoine is highly effective and safe as a whitening agent. It also reduces melanin production and is non-cytotoxic.
Ectoine is used in ophthalmic preparations and has been shown to stabilise the tear film, relieve inflammation and allergic reactions in the eyes, and may reduce itching and burning sensations in the eyes. And Ectoine eye drops can be used multiple times a day and are well tolerated.
Ectoine
is also used as a therapeutic for Alzheimer's disease, HIV,
intestinal diseases, oral diseases, inflammatory and immunological diseases, and other diseases.
References:
[1] JUN CHEN. Biotechnological production of ectoine: current status and prospects.[J]. Folia microbiologica, 2024. DOI:10.1007/s12223-023-01105-4.
- Related articles
- Related Qustion
- The benefits and uses of Ectoine Nov 3, 2023
Ectoine as a highly water-keeping compound stabilizing biomolecules and whole cells can be used in scientific work, cosmetics, and medicine.
- What is Ectoine? Apr 12, 2022
Ectoine shows many beneficial features and has multiple applications. It can contribute in the prevention of stress mediators and the natural protection of cells, while it has lubrication and hydration effect.
- The biosynthesis of Ectoine Aug 18, 2021
Ectoine is a compatible solute in halophilic organisms.The biosynthesis of ectoine was determined with the help of 13C-labeling techniques and proceeds via the pathway .
p-Anisaldehyde is a colorless liquid with a strong aroma. It has sweet, floral and strong aniseed odor.....
Nov 13,2024Organic ChemistryEptifibatide (Integrilin), a disulfide-linked cyclic peptide, is a short-acting and reversible inhibitor of platelet aggregation.....
Jun 14,2024Biochemical EngineeringEctoine
96702-03-3You may like
- Ectoine
- $0.00 / 100g
- 2024-11-15
- CAS:96702-03-3
- Min. Order: 10g
- Purity: 99% HPLC
- Supply Ability: 10000
- Ectoin
- $0.00 / 1Kg/Bag
- 2024-11-15
- CAS:96702-03-3
- Min. Order: 1Kg/Bag
- Purity: 99% hplc,
- Supply Ability: 20 tons
- Ectoine
- $100.00 / 1kg
- 2024-11-15
- CAS:96702-03-3
- Min. Order: 1kg
- Purity: 99%
- Supply Ability: 5000kg/ week