{
  "id": 3376550,
  "title": "Four ζ-carotene isomers reveal light-driven shifts and skin-protective potential",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/four-carotene-isomers-reveal-light-driven-shifts-and-skin-protective",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-08-25T23:20:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-08-carotene-isomers-reveal-driven-shifts.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Four geometric isomers of ζ-carotene, a carotenoid found in various plants and photosynthetic microorganisms, have been purified and characterized by researchers in Japan. The study, published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, reveals unique properties of these isomers that could make ζ-carotene a valuable ingredient for skin health and photoprotection.\n\nThe researchers from Meijo University and Harima Chemicals used normal-phase chromatography to separate the four isomers— all-E-, 9Z, 9Z,9′Z, and 9Z,13Z,9′Z. They then analyzed the structural, spectroscopic, antioxidant, and biological properties of these purified isomers. The study found that the ζ-carotene isomers exhibit distinct behaviors when exposed to light, with a rapid shift toward a steady chemical mixture dominated by the 9Z isomer under white LED light.\n\nFurthermore, the ζ-carotene isomers demonstrated UV-A-shielding capacity, indicating their potential as natural UV filters in skincare products. The predominant isomers, 9Z and 9Z,9′Z, showed strong activity in quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging hydroxyl radicals, which are key reactive oxygen species produced during UV exposure. They also inhibited the formation of glycation end products, implicated in skin aging and tissue damage.\n\nThe researchers emphasize that ζ-carotene's lighter yellow color could lead to minimal coloration in foods, dietary supplements, or skincare products, making it an attractive option for photoprotection while maintaining product aesthetics. The study provides essential insights into ζ-carotene's physicochemical and biological characteristics, paving the way for further research on its potential applications in functional foods, supplements, and cosmetics.",
  "summary": "ζ-Carotene, a key intermediate in lycopene biosynthesis, is widely found in plants and photosynthetic microorganisms, but its isomer-specific properties remain poorly understood due to isolation and purification challenges. Researchers have now developed a purification strategy to obtain high-purity geometric isomers and systematically characterized, for the first time, their isomer-specific…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}