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Ectoine

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Ectoine (3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-2-methyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acid) is a natural compound found in several species of bacteria. It is a compatible solute which serves as a protective substance by acting as an osmolyte and thus helps organisms survive extreme osmotic stress. Furthermore it was shown to protect DNA against ionizing and ultraviolet radiation serving as a radical scavenger. Ectoine is found in high concentrations in halophilic microorganisms and confers resistance towards salt and temperature stress. Ectoine was first identified in the microorganism Ectothiorhodospira halochloris, but has since been found in a wide range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Other species of bacteria in which ectoine was found include:

  • Brevibacterium linens
  • Halomonas elongata
  • Marinococcus halophilus
  • Pseudomonas stutzeri
  • Halomonas titanicae
  • Halorhodospira halophila
  • Halomonas ventosae

Biosynthesis

Ectoine is synthesized in three successive enzymatic reactions starting from aspartic β-semialdehyde. The genes involved in the biosynthesis are called ectA, ectB and ectC, and they encode the enzymes L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid acetyltransferase, L-2,4-diaminobutyric acid transaminase and L-ectoine synthase, respectively.

Use in cosmetics

Ectoine is used as an active ingredient in skin care and sun protection products. It stabilizes proteins and other cellular structures and protects the skin from stresses like UV irradiation and dryness.

Medical use

Due to its protein stabilizing properties, ectoine has been evaluated as a topical treatment for hay fever. Effectiveness of a nasal spray containing ectoine is comparable to cromoglycate and is reported to be well tolerated by the patients. It is available over the counter in the European Union.

References

References

  1. [http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/catalog/search/ProductDetail/SIGMA/E2271 Ectoine] at [[Sigma-Aldrich]]
  2. [https://www.spectrumchemical.com/MSDS/E0210.pdf Ectoine SDS]
  3. (1985). "Die Kristallstruktur des Ectoin, einer neuen osmoregulatorisch wirksamen Aminosäure". Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C.
  4. (2017-09-27). "DNA protection by ectoine from ionizing radiation: molecular mechanisms". Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics.
  5. (1993). "Ectoine accumulation and osmotic regulation in ''Brevibacterium linens''". Journal of General Microbiology.
  6. (1990). "The biosynthesis of ectoine". FEMS Microbiology Letters.
  7. (1997). "Characterization of genes for the biosynthesis of the compatible solute ectoine from ''Marinococcus halophilus'' and osmoregulated expression in ''Escherichia coli''". Microbiology.
  8. (2011). "A specialized aspartokinase enhances the biosynthesis of the osmoprotectants ectoine and hydroxyectoine in ''Pseudomonas stutzeri'' A1501". Journal of Bacteriology.
  9. (6 September 2016). "'Extremophile Bacteria' Will Eat Away Wreck of the Titanic".
  10. (16 August 2016). "Neutrons describe ectoine effects on water H-bonding and hydration around a soluble protein and a cell membrane". Scientific Reports.
  11. "HAMAP: Halorhodospira halophila (strain DSM 244 / SL1) (Ectothiorhodospira halophila (strain DSM 244 / SL1)) complete proteome [http://expasy%20proteomics%20server.%20swiss%20institute%20of%20bioinformatics/ ExPASy Proteomics Server. Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics]{{dead link. (August 2019)
  12. (September 2007). "Isolation and characterisation of moderately halophilic bacteriumHalomonas ventosae DL7 synthesizing ectoine as compatible solute". Annals of Microbiology.
  13. (2009). "EXTREMOPHILES – Volume II". Eolss Publishers.
  14. (2020). "Microbial production of extremolytes — high-value active ingredients for nutrition, health care, and well-being". Current Opinion in Biotechnology.
  15. (2025). "Extremophile-Derived Bioactives in Cosmeceuticals: Bridging Nutraceuticals and Skincare for Holistic Wellness". Life.
  16. (2014-06-01). "Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis with Ectoine Containing Nasal Spray and Eye Drops in Comparison with Azelastine Containing Nasal Spray and Eye Drops or with Cromoglycic Acid Containing Nasal Spray". Journal of Allergy.
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amidines carboxylic-acids
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