hans sanders

Abstract E-Z photoisomerisation is a key relaxation process in biological chromophores, supporting processes such as vision and photoprotection. Here we use such pathways to optimise photon-to-heat conversion processes. To this purpose, we synthesise methyl cinnamate derivatives in which steric and electronic substitutions modulate excited-state decay.

Urocanic acid as a novel scaffold for next-gen nature-inspired sunscreens: I. Electronic laser spectroscopy under isolated conditions Urocanic acid is a naturally occurring UV-A and UV-B absorbing compound found in the skin. Its use in artificial sunscreens has been abandoned because of health risks associated with the cis isomer. Here we report laser spectroscopic studies on urocanic acid and various substituted derivatives under supersonically cooled conditions.

Urocanic acid as a novel scaffold for next-gen nature-inspired sunscreens: II. Time-resolved spectroscopy under solution conditions In recent years the use of synthetic UV filters in commercial skincare formulations has come under considerable scrutiny. Urocanic acid is a naturally occurring UV filter that could serve as a scaffold for developing next-generation biomimetic UV filters.