Skin‐Protective Effects of Marinophyll, a Carotenoid From Marine Erythrobacter sp. SDW2

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have highlighted that marine organisms, such as microalgae and marine bacteria, exhibit significantly higher and more sustainable biosynthetic yields of unique carotenoids compared to terrestrial sources. These advantages in production efficiency have sparked significant interest in developing materials derived from marine origins. Marinophyll, natural carotenoids extracted from marine sources, have demonstrated potential in managing oxidative stress and inflammation linked to various skin conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ) to assess cell viability and intracellular ROS production. Antioxidant enzyme expression, including Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD2, was evaluated using RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The anti-inflammatory effects of Marinophyll were investigated in HaCaT cells treated with IL-4 and Poly I:C, and skin barrier repair was assessed in human skin explants using immunofluorescence staining. The skin explants were obtained from healthy adult donors (aged 43-57 years) undergoing elective breast reduction or abdominoplasty surgery, with informed consent and approval from the relevant ethics committee. All tissues were provided by Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Additionally, Marinophyll significantly upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of Nrf2, HO-1, and SOD2 in HaCaT cells. Pretreatment with Marinophyll reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-1α and IL-1β induced by IL-4 and Poly I:C. In human skin explants, Marinophyll enhanced filaggrin expression, contributing to improved skin barrier function. CONCLUSION: Marinophyll demonstrates significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin barrier-enhancing properties, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic applications in managing oxidative stress and inflammation-associated skin disorders.