Maca Barrera

Harnessing the power of microbes to produce a natural derived sunscreen that shield our bodies from harmful UV radiation.

UV radiation is one of the most prominent stressors our bodies are exposed to, because of the climate crisis, causing sunburn, photoaging and cancer. As a result, photoprotection has become an increasingly studied topic, demonstrating that current sunscreens have significant negative impacts on the marine ecosystem.

This project explores the potential of bacterial melanin as a naturally derived sunscreen with UV absorbance and antioxidant properties, that shield our bodies from UV radiation, as well we protect the health of our ecosystems. The concept involves a speculative membrane with encapsulated melanin, which becomes active and gradually darker when the user is exposed to UV rays.

A second skin that reacts with the environment depending on the geography and UV radiation level. Bringing long-lasting and efficient protection to our bodies, but also creating awareness about sun protection and skin cancer.

This project was supported by the Making Lab team at the Francis Crick Institute.