Soliome Inc. received a $255,899 National Science Foundation Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships Project Grant to develop novel sunscreens and ultraviolet filters composed of naturally occurring, food-safe peptides containing ultraviolet-absorbing amino acids. The objectives of the one-year award ending August 31, 2023 include developing sunscreen peptides from widely available food-grade sources at a 100 gram scale to demonstrate cost competitiveness with conventional sunscreen compounds. The project will also optimize peptides to improve ultraviolet absorbance and investigate heterologous expression in bacteria, as well as evaluate peptide chemical stability, photostability, and non-absorption. This work aims to lay the foundation for future independent safety studies, kilogram-scale production, and clinical trials to potentially introduce the first new over-the-counter sunscreen active ingredient in over 35 years with improved safety profiles for both humans and the environment.
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