Ectoin

Natural Source and Biological Role

Discovered in 1985 in halophilic bacteria from Egypt's Wadi El Natrun salt lake, ectoin serves as a compatible solute that enables extremophilic microorganisms to survive extreme conditions (e.g., high salinity, UV radiation, and desiccation) by stabilizing cellular structures and maintaining osmotic balance . It achieves this through the "Kosmotropic Effect", organizing water molecules into a protective hydration shell around biomolecules (e.g., proteins, DNA) and cell membranes, thereby preventing dehydration and structural denaturation.

Applications

Cosmetics:

Moisturization: Enhances skin hydration by forming a water-retentive barrier, improving long-term skin elasticity and reducing transepidermal water loss.

Anti-Aging and UV Protection: Repairs UV-induced DNA damage (e.g., 0.5% ectoin restores 89.2% of cell viability post-UV exposure) and stimulates heat shock proteins to counteract photoaging .

Anti-Inflammatory: Inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α) and soothes sensitive or irritated skin, showing efficacy comparable to hydrocortisone in clinical trials .

Medical and Industrial Uses:

Used in inhalation therapies for COPD and asthma due to its anti-pollution and anti-inflammatory properties.

Stabilizes enzymes and biologics in biotechnology and acts as a crop protectant in agriculture.

Specifications: