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Sun protection, rewritten by microalgae.

TAES develops MAA-based natural UV protectants photostable, biocompatible sunscreen actives derived from Antarctic microalgae, backed by a patent application.

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Mycosporine-like amino acids

Nature’s own UV-absorbing molecules

THE ACTIVE

Nature has spent millions of years developing UV protection.

TAES brings this biological strategy to modern cosmetic science.

WHAT ARE MAAS

Microalgae’s built-in sunscreen.

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are small, water-soluble compounds that microalgae and cyanobacteria produce to defend themselves against intense solar UV. They absorb radiation across the UVA–UVB range and dissipate it harmlessly as heat.

 

Because they are biological in origin, MAAs are photostable, biocompatible, and pair UV protection with antioxidant activity,  a profile that synthetic filters struggle to match.

<400

Da small molecules that work across the UV spectrum

UVA + UVB

broad-spectrum absorption from UVA to UVB

100%

naturally derived, microalgae-sourced active

+AOX

antioxidant activity alongside UV defense

HOW IT WORKS

From a living cell's defense to a finished formulation.

01
Absorb
The MAA chromophore captures UV photons in the 310-362 nm band, intercepting radiation before it reaches the skin.
02
Dissipate
Captured energy is released as harmless heat, leaving the molecule intact, highly photostable, cycle after cycle.
03
Protect
The result is broad-spectrum defense plus antioxidant support, with no reactive by-products on the skin.
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THE LANDSCAPE

The evolution of UV protection.

Three generations of UV filters, with biological actives opening a new direction.

1

Mineral UV filters

e.g. Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)

Reflect and scatter UV radiation

High SPF performance

Can leave a white cast on the skin

Often combined with other UV filters to reach high SPF

2

Organic UV filters

e.g. Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Octisalate

Absorb UV radiation 

Excellent photostability

Broad formulation flexibility

Several molecules restricted, banned, or under FDA safety review

3

Biological UV filters

Microalgae-derived Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs)

Naturally evolved UV-protective molecules

Broad UV absorption

Antioxidant & photoprotective activity

Biodegradable, sustainably produced

Designed to complement next-generation sunscreen formulations

↳Today, mineral sunscreens are often boosted with organic (chemical) filters to reach a high SPF. TAES is developing biological boosting MAA-based actives that raise performance alongside minerals, without relying on synthetic UV filters.

WHY MAAS?

More than a molecule that absorbs UV.

MAAs are multifunctional  they pair UV defense with skin-protective biology that single-purpose filters can’t offer.

UV absorption

Broad-spectrum absorption across the UVA–UVB range, from a single natural chromophore.

Antioxidant activity

Neutralizes free radicals generated by sun exposure, supporting skin defense.

ROS scavenging

Helps clear reactive oxygen species that drive photo-aging and cellular stress.

Photostability

Releases captured energy as heat and stays intact protection that doesn’t degrade in sunlight.

Cellular protection

Evolved inside living cells to shield them biocompatible by design.

Sustainable production

Sourced from microalgae and biodegradable renewable, traceable, reef-conscious.

SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE

Evidence-based cosmetic actives.

MAA performance is grounded in measurable data  from in-vitro SPF contribution to photostability under UV irradiation.

IN VITRO SPF

10-12

Contribution depending on species and extraction conditions.

GREEN EXTRACTION

100% Water

Contribution depending on species and extraction conditions.

IDENTIFIED MAAs

5

Shinorine, Porphyra-334, Palythine, Mycosporine-Glycine and Asterina-330

Mavi Buzdağı Yansıması

TAES ANTARCTIC COLLECTION

Inspired by Antarctic survival.

Antarctic microalgae experience some of the highest levels of natural UV exposure on Earth. As an adaptive response, many species synthesize mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), making these extremophiles a valuable source for discovering novel photoprotective compounds.

TAES investigates Antarctic microalgae isolated through long-term research programs to identify high-value MAA-producing strains for cosmetic applications.

Image by James Eades

Antarctica

Extreme UV conditions

Image by masakazu sasaki

Microalgae

Survival through natural defense

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MAAs

Mycosporine like amio acids

Image by Kelsey Curtis

Cosmetic Active

Advanced production for human

Novel Antarctic

Strain

Unique microalgae isolated from extreme polar environments.

Extreme UV

Adaptation

Naturally evolved defense mechanisms against intense UV radiation.

High Value

MAA Discovery 

Rich source of MAA with photoprotective

potential.

Sustainable Biotechnology

Responsible research for next-generation cosmetic innovation.

APPLICATIONS

Where MAA actives go to work.

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Sun Care

UV Protection

Daily Defense

Daily Skin Production

Repair

After UV Exposure

Healthy Aging

Photoaging Protection

Your Partnership Journey

COSMETICS PARTNERSHIPS

Formulate with a natural UV active.

We work with cosmetic brands and formulators looking to bring MAA-based UV protection to market. Reach out for technical data, samples, or a partnership discussion.

Technical Data

Access detailed datasheets, analytical reports and studies. 

Lab Samples

Evaluate performance with high-quality lab samples.

Formulation Support

Collaborate with our team for guidance on formulation and application.

Scale-up & Production 

Reliable supply with scalable, sustainable production. 

Commercial Partnership

Access detailed datasheets, analytical reports and studies. 

SCIENTIFIC PUBLICATIONS

Backed by peer-reviewed science.

Mycosporine-like amino acids in microalgae and cyanobacteria: Biosynthesis, diversity, and applications in biotechnology

Algal Research

2024

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Ultraviolet-shielding bioplastic films from Antarctic Klebsormidium sp.

ASYA19: A sustainable approach to plastic alternatives

Bioresource Technology

2025

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Psychrotolerant Coccomyxa subellipsoidea ASYA6 for sustainable UV protection: A novel green source of mycosporine-like

amino acids

Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy

2025

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Physiology and chemistry integration under UV-B across green algal Klebsormidiumclades (Streptophyta) reveals constitutive and inducible MAA-associated photoprotective responses

Frontiers in Microbiology

2026

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Bize Ulaşın

Mikroalg bilimi aracılığıyla inovasyonu güçlendirmek

Adres

Temas etmek

Açılış Saatleri

Ünalan Caddesi, Ünalan, 34500 Üsküdar, İstanbul, Türkiye
İstanbul Medeniyet Üniversitesi Teknopark İşletme A.Ş., Göztepe Bölgesi.

+90 216 280 3504

Pazartesi - Cuma

08:00 - 17:00

© 2025 TechnoAlga Eco Solutions – Tüm hakları saklıdır.

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