Sustainability Seminar | Nature’s Sunscreen: Antarctic Microbes, Glacier Retreat, and Survival in a Warming World

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming sustainability seminar presented by Prof. Alexandre Rosado.

Antarctica’s extreme environment, with intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation and freezing temperatures, presents significant survival challenges for microorganisms. To withstand these conditions, some microbes have evolved adaptive mechanisms, including the production of photoprotective carotenoids. These pigments are gaining interest in the skincare industry due to their potential to shield against UV damage, which is directly linked to skin burns and cancer. With increasing demand for natural and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic UV filters, microbial-derived photoprotectors are emerging as a promising solution. In this seminar, Prof. Rosado will present his team’s research on carotenoid production in Actinomycetota strains from Antarctic Peninsula soils and their role in enhancing resistance to UV radiation. His findings suggest that carotenoids produced by specific Arthrobacter sp. strains could significantly improve UV-B protection, highlighting their potential for application in the dermo-cosmetic industry.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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