Commercial sunscreen products are used to protect the skin against hannful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can induce skin cancer at high dosage. These products contain UV filters that can reflect, scatter or absorb UV light. The chemical UV filters responsible for the absorption of UV radiation can be photochemically modified and as a result reduce the efficacy of the sunscreen formulation. This study focused on the possible use ofplant polyphenols as potential stabilisers of photo-unstable sunscreen chemical absorbers. The photo-instability of some sunscreen absorbers results in radical formation; this prompted the use of the plant, Sutherlandia microphylla (Cancer Bush plant), as a potential photostabiliser. The Cancer Bush plant is used by the indigenous people of South Africa to treat AIDS and cancer. The radical scavenging properties of polyphenolic compounds present in the plant are possibly responsible for the plant's anti-tumour and anti-IDV properties. Therefore, these Cancer Bush polyphenols could possibly be used to photostabilise photo-unstable sunscreen absorbers. Potential polyphenolic photostabilisers from the Cancer Bush plant were extracted by means of various polyphenolic extraction methods. These extracts were analysed by gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), UV spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The phenolic content and the antioxidant activity ofthese extracts were investigated by means of the Folin-eiocalteu reagent (FCR) and the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assays respectively. Polyphenols were also extracted from various Rooibos teas and compared with those extracted from the Cancer Bush plant. Both the Cancer Bush and various Rooibos tea extracts were found to contain simple phen~lics and potential polyphenolic compounds. The Cancer Bush extracts as well as the Rooibos tea extracts together with the specific polyphenols, epicatechin and rutin, were assessed for their ability to photostabilise sunscreen absorbers. The photostability of the chemical absorbers in the absence and in the presence of the polyphenol extracts was investigated by UV spectroscopy, by monitoring their absorption spectra during irradiation with solar-simulated radiation. These extracts inhibited the photodegradation of the absorber avobenzone. The photostability of avobenzone is solventIntroduction III dependent hence the investigations were carried out in three solvents, namely, cyclohexane, ethyl acetate and dimethylsulfoxide. Additionally, the cause ofthe instability ofavobenzone in these solvents was investigated by means of DV spectroscopy, HPLC and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The oxygen dependency of the photo-instability of avobenzone was also determined. The photo-instability of avobenzone was found to occur as a result of photoisomerisation and!or photodegradation, depending on the solvent. Avobenzone photoisomerised extensively in dimethylsulfoxide and photodegraded appreciably in cyclohexane, whereas both processes occurred to a similar extent in ethyl acetate. Photoisomerisation only occurred in the presence of oxygen whereas photodegradation occurred irrespective of oxygen. The Cancer Bush and various Rooibos tea extracts as well as other polyphenols photostabilised avobenzone in ethyl acetate and dimethylsulfoxide but not in cyclohexane. This photostabilisation effect was potentially due to the radical scavenging ability of polyphenols which prevented the oxygendependent photoisomerisation, but not the oxygen independent photodegradation process from occurring. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-Chemistry-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005

The topical application of sunscreens is widely practised to protect healthy and photosensitive skins from the sun. The benzophenone-derived sunscreens, e.g. 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone-5-sulphonic acid (or benzophenone-4) and 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy benzophenone (or benzophenone-3), were ranked as the second and third most frequently used sunscreens, respectively, by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996. These sunscreens are categorised as being 'safe' and 'effective'. However, it is well known that the parent compound, benzophenone, undergoes rapid hydrogen abstraction reactions on irradiation and is an extremely powerful radical generator. In addition, benzophenone has been shown to be a potent photosensitizer of thymine dimers in deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA). More astounding to the sunscreen industry is the recent discovery that a group of non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) having the benzophenone backbone, e.g. ketoprofen, not only form thymine dimers when irradiated with DNA in vitro, but also photosensitize double stranded supercoiled DNA making it prone to single-strand break formation. Both these lesions, if unrepaired, may contribute to mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, inherited disease and eventually cell death. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if a group of benzophenone-derived sunscreen agents has the ability to photosensitize the cleavage of DNA, whereby supercoiled DNA is converted to the relaxed circular and linear forms. The group of UV absorbers investigated in this study included benzophenone-4, benzophenone-3 , 2,4 dihydroxybenzophenone (or benzophenone-l), 2,2'-dihydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy benzophenone sulphonic acid (or trade name Uvinul DS49) and 2-phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulphonic acid (or trade name Eusolex 232). For comparison the parent compound benzophenone and the NSAID ketoprofen, a well-known photocleaver, were also studied. Buffered aqueous solutions of the benzophenones were irradiated in the presence of DNA at wavelengths greater than 300 nm with an Osram 500 W/2 high-pressure mercury lamp in conjunction with a 10 mm thick Pyrex filter. The irradiated samples were analysed for DNA cleavage by agarose gel electrophoresis and for DNA binding by fluorescence spectroscopy. The photostability of the UV absorbers was also investigated. In addition, computational studies were conducted to obtain the lowest energy geometrical structures of these UV absorbers and hence determine if intercalation of these UV absorbers with DNA was possible. From the photostability experiments conducted, it is apparent that the benzophenone-based UV absorbers were stable to photodecomposition when irradiated with UV light. They behaved in a manner different from their parent compound benzophenone, and from ketoprofen, where substantial photodegradation occurred upon UV irradiation. This is indicative of the rapid photoreactivity of the benzophenone backbone. The relative photostability of the UV absorbers was not anticipated and was attributed to the substituents present on the benzophenone backbone. The agarose gel electrophoresis experiments however clearly showed that benzophenone, ketoprofen, benzophenone-l, Uvinul DS49 and Eusolex 232 cleave ?X174 DNA when irradiated with UV light at wavelengths greater than 300 nm, while benzophenone-3 and benzophenone-4 did not. For these UV absorbers with the exception of benzophenone-3 and benzophenone-4, the number of single strand breaks in the DNA increased compared to when it was irradiated in their absence. In addition, the supercoiled DNA was converted to the relaxed circular and linear forms, the latter of which was undetected in the absence of the UV absorbers. Binding of benzophenone, ketoprofen, benzophenone-l and Uvinul DS49 to calf thymus DNA was also detected by the fluorescence spectroscopy technique. However, this was not observed for Eusolex 232, benzophenone-3 and benzophenone-4, since they did not compete with ethidium bromide for DNA binding sites. Where DNA cleavage did occur, the mechanism of this interaction had to be determined hence the motivation for the computational studies. From computational studies using PM3 semi- empirical calculations, it was determined that the benzophenone-based UV absorbers investigated, apart from Eusolex 232, displayed non-planar geometrical structures. This indicated that DNA intercalation of these sunscreen agents with DNA would at best be very limited, since only one half of the molecule could possibly interact with the bases of DNA. For benzophenone, ketoprofen, benzophenone-l and Uvinul DS49, photosensitised type I and type II processes involving triplet energy transfer reactions has been identified in literature as being responsible for DNA cleavage. It was determined by ab initio calculations that Eusolex 232 exists in a planar structure unlike the other UV absorbers mentioned above that were non- planar. It was concluded that although Eusolex 232 has the ability to intercalate with the base pairs of DNA, it does not do so, as shown by its lack of binding to calf thymus DNA by the fluorescence spectroscopy study. Literature alludes to photooxidation by singlet oxygen in single stranded DNA via the type II reaction and type I electron transfer reactions in double stranded DNA as the mechanism responsible for DNA cleavage induced by Eusolex 232. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Marine phytoplankton are known to produce UV-absorbing compounds (UVACs) for protection against UV radiation. To assess whether the same strategy applies to sea ice-associated algal communities, MAAs were measured in algae associated with surface melt ponds, sea ice, sea ice−water interface, and underlying seawater in a coastal bay of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago during the 2011 spring melt transition. Six UVACs were detected as the spring melt progressed, namely shinorine, palythine, and porphyra-334 and three unknowns (U1, U2 and U3). U1 was most likely palythene, another MAA. The molecular identities of the other two UVACs, U2 and U3, which have an absorption maximum of 363 and 300 nm, respectively, remain to be structurally elucidated. The results confirm that Arctic sea ice-associated algal communities are capable of producing photoprotectants and that spatial and temporal variations in MAA and other UVAC synthesis are affected by snow cover and UV radiation exposure. / May 2016

Background: Sun exposure is strongly associated with skin cancer. Sun protection to reduce harmful effects of sun exposure, including skin cancer, is encouraged. However, sun sensitivity, a possible confounder of the association between sun exposure and sun protection, is often overlooked. Objectives: This study examined how sun exposure and sun protection behaviors among indoor workers vary between sun sensitive and less sun sensitive individuals. Methods: Diaries over 45 days (August and September of 2009) from indoor workers in the Midwest were examined. Diaries included daily sun exposure, sun protection, and sun sensitivity. Sun sensitivity was measured by determination of fair and non-fair complexion, categorized based on inability to tan and tendency to sunburn. Sun exposure was compared between fair and non-fair complexion. Total exposure (sunrise to sunset) was examined, along with exposure between 10 am and 4 pm, and long exposure between 10 am and 4 pm (at least 60 minutes). Percentages of time in the sun spent practicing sun protection were reported by study participants with fair and non-fair complexion. Logistic regression was used to determine odds ratios between fair complexion and mean sun exposure and mean sun protection times. Results: Fair complexioned individuals spent less time in the sun than non-fair complexioned individuals. In addition, fair complexioned individuals spent greater percentages of time practicing sun protection behaviors while they were in the sun. They were more likely to practice sun protection behaviors related to sunscreen application and protective clothing, notably, wearing a long-sleeved shirt.Conclusion: Fair complexioned individuals spend less time in the sun and practice more sun protective behaviors than non-fair complexioned individuals. These interrelations between sun sensitivity, sun protection and amount of sun exposure suggest that controlling for potential confounding when examining one of these factors and skin cancer may be challenging.

Pseudomonas syringae produz núcleos de gelo biológicos de grande eficiência. Bioaerossóis destas células tem potencial de participar na glaciação de nuvens, podendo influenciar a precipitação. Foram estudadas como as condições as quais P. syringae está sujeita em suspensão na atmosfera afetam sua sobrevivência e sua atividade de nucleação de gelo. Duas cepas foram testadas, e ambas apresentaram baixa tolerância ao UV-C e ao UV-B, mas exibiram uma maior resistência quando expostas a um espectro semelhante ao encontrado no ambiente. A atividade de congelamento de uma das cepas (pv. syringae) não foi afetada pelo UV, enquanto que para a outra (pv. garcae) houve uma redução moderada. Em resposta à dessecação, pv. garcae foi substancialmente mais resistente que pv. syringae. Isto também afetou a nucleação de gelo das cepas. Em ensaios adicionais, estas bactérias foram expostas em um voo de balão estratosférico, e a uma simulação em laboratório das condições no topo da troposfera. Nestes dois experimentos, sobreviventes protegidos do UV foram recuperados. / Pseudomonas syringae produces biological ice nuclei of great efficiency. Bioaerosols of these cells have the potential to take part in cloud glaciation, possibly influencing the precipitation. It was studied how the conditions to which P. syringae is subjected while in suspension in the atmosphere affect its survival and its ice nucleation activity. Two strains were tested, and both showed a low tolerance to UV-C and UV-B, but exhibited a higher resistance when exposed to a spectrum similar to the one found in the environment. The freezing activity of one of the strains (pv. syringae) was not affected by the UV, while that for the other (pv. garcae) there was a moderate reduction. In response to desiccation, pv. garcae was substantially more resistant than pv. syringae. This also affected the ice nucleation by the strains. In additional assays, these bacteria were exposed in a stratospheric balloon flight, and to a laboratory simulation of the conditions at the top of the troposphere. After these two experiments, survivors protected from the UV were recovered.

Neste estudo foi avaliado o potencial tóxico de diferentes desinfetantes (cloro, ácido peracético, radiação ultravioleta e ozônio) utilizados na desinfecção de esgotos sanitários. Para tanto, foram realizados ensaios de desinfecção (em diversas concentrações e tempos de contato) com o esgoto doméstico originário da estação de tratamento de esgotos da cidade de Araraquara (SP) e, posteriormente, ensaios de toxicidade a fim de verificar possíveis efeitos agudos e crônicos nos seguintes organismos-teste: Daphnia similis, Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, Chironomus xanthus, Danio rerio e Allium cepa. Todos os desinfetantes, nas condições experimentais testadas, foram capazes de produzir efeitos deletérios aos organismos-teste utilizados nesta pesquisa. O cloro foi considerado o desinfetante mais tóxico, sendo seguido pelo ozônio, ácido peracético e radiação UV. Verificou-se ainda que quando o efluente não desinfetado foi tóxico aos organismos-alvo, sua toxidez foi potencializada com a adição dos diferentes agentes desinfetantes. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo sugerem que a utilização do cloro para desinfecção de esgotos sanitários, sem prévia descloração, deve ser revista, em face da eficiência satisfatória de inativação de bactérias proporcionada por outros agentes de desinfecção potencialmente menos tóxicos (tais como o ácido peracético e a radiação UV). / In this study, it was evaluated the toxic potential of different disinfectant agents (chlorine, peracetic acid, ultraviolet radiation and ozone) used in the disinfection of urban wastewater. For so much, disinfection assays were accomplished (in several concentrations and contact times) with the domestic sewage from Araraquara city (SP) and toxicity bioassays were developed in order to verify possible acute and chronic effects in the following test-organisms: Daphnia similis, Ceriodaphnia silvestrii, Chironomus xanthus, Danio rerio and Allium cepa. All the disinfectants, in the tested experimental conditions, were capable to produce harmful effects to the test-organisms used in this research. Chlorine was considered the most toxic disinfectant, being followed by ozone, peracetic acid and UV radiation. It was noticed that when the effluent, by itself, was toxic to the test-organism, its toxicity was increased with the different disinfecting agents\' addition. The results obtained in this study suggest that the use of chlorine as a wastewater disinfectant, without previous dechlorination, should be reviewed, because it was observed that other disinfection agents (such as peracetic acid and UV radiation) were able to promote satisfactory levels of bacteria inactivation for potentially less toxicity.

A luz ultravioleta (UV) induz no DNA dímeros de pirimidina ciclobutano (CPDs) e pirimidina (6-4) pirimidona fotoprodutos (6-4PPs). Fotoliases revertem estas lesões, mas estão ausentes em mamíferos placentários que contam com a via de reparo por excisão de nucleotídeos para removê-las. O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar os papéis específicos de CPDs e 6-4PPs nas respostas epiteliais à UV. Camundongos deficientes em reparo de DNA, expressando CPD- ou 6-4PP-fotoliase, foram expostos aguda ou cronicamente à luz UV, sendo avaliados morte e divisão celular, hiperplasia, expressão de p53 e melanogênese. Resultados sugerem que a remoção ubíqua de CPD em animais XPA leva à melanogênese que suprime hiperplasia. O mesmo não é observado quando 6-4PPs são removidas em queratinócitos basais de animais XPA ou quando qualquer fotolesão é removida de queratinócitos basais em animais CSA. Este trabalho revela a importância da natureza, concentração e localização das fotolesões, esclarecendo a participação de CPDs e 6-4PPs nas consequências desses danos na pele de mamíferos. / Ultraviolet (UV) light induces two lesions in DNA: cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and pyrimidine (6-4) pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PPs). Photolyases convert these lesions to monomers but are absent in placental mammals who count on the nucleotide excision repair pathway to remove photolesions. The aim of this work is to investigate the specific roles of CPDs and 6-4PPs on epithelial responses to UV. DNA repair deficient mice, expressing either CPD- or 6-4PP-photolyase, were acute or chronically UV exposed and apoptosis, cell proliferation, hyperplasia, p53 overexpression and melanogenesis were evaluated. Data suggests that ubiquitous CPD removal in XPA mice leads to increased melanogenesis, which suppresses hyperplasia. This is not observed when 6-4PPs are removed from basal keratinocytes in XPA mice or when either lesion is removed from basal keratinocytes in CSA mice. This work points out the importance of the nature, amount and location of photolesions, shedding light on the participation of CPDs and 6-4PPs in mammalian skin responses to UV light.

Polihidroxialcanoatos (PHA) produzidos por Pseudomonas sp. LFM046 a partir de carboidratos e ácido propiônico contem monômeros com número ímpar e par de carbonos, representando um bom modelo para o estudo do metabolismo de propionato. Genes relacionados ao ciclo do 2-metilcitrato foram encontrados em todas as espécies de Pseudomonas compondo um operon prpRBCAcnMprpFD. Genes da via do metilmalonil-CoA não foram encontrados em Pseudomonas. Genes da <font face=\"Symbol\">a-oxidação de propionato foram encontrados apenas em P. aeruginosa. A análise de um mutante prp obtido por inserção de transposon revelou que estava mutado no gene prpB, relacionado ao ciclo do 2-metilcitrato. A análise de mutantes obtidos por radiação ultravioleta revelou que dois devem estar afetados em via menos relevante para o metabolismo de propionato e outros dois na ativação desse ácido orgânico. Experimentos com propionato marcado (1C13) demonstraram que as vias do oxobutirato, do metimalonil-CoA e do 2-hidroxiglutarato não devem contribuir para o metabolismo de propionato em Pseudomonas sp. LFM046. / Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) produced by Pseudomonas sp. LFM046 from carbohydrates and propionic acid contains monomers with odd and even number of carbons, representing a good model to study the propionate metabolism. Genes related to 2-methycytrate cycle were found in all Pseudomonas species organized in an operon prpRCAAcnMprpFD. Genes related to the methylmalonyl-CoA pathway were not found in Pseudomonas. Genes related to the propionic <font face=\"Symbol\">a-oxidation were found only in P. aeruginosa. Analysis of a prp mutant obtained by transposon insertion revealead that it was mutated in prpB gene, related to the 2-methylcytrate cycle. The analysis of mutants obtained using ultraviolet radiation showed that two should be affected in less relevant propionate metabolism pathways and other two in the activation of this organic acid. Experiments with labeled propionate (113C) demonstrated that the oxobutyrate, methylmalonil-CoA and 2-hydroxyglutarate pathways should not contribute to the propionate metabolism in Pseudomonas sp. LFM046.

A interação entre bactérias e plantas resulta na ocorrência de vários processos biológicos no ambiente e pode ser regulada por diferentes variáveis. Alterações nos fatores bióticos e abióticos interferem diretamente nesta interação levando a modificações na composição das comunidades bacterianas associadas às plantas. Dentre estas, as bactérias epifíticas podem conferir ao seu hospedeiro características como maior resistência a condições de estresse, alterações nas condições fisiológicas e proteção contra fitopatógenos. Com os objetivos de avaliar o efeito da radiação ultravioleta B sobre a diversidade bacteriana epifítica de dois cultivares de soja, avaliar a resistência dos isolados sobre a radiação e verificar o potencial antagônico dos residentes bacterianos da filosfera da soja. Para tanto, foram feitos dois isolamentos com finalidades distintas dos cultivares Conquista, IAC 100 e BRS 262, além da aplicação da técnica de DGGE, que permite acessar alterações causadas nestas comunidades de maneira independente do cultivo bacteriano. Foi avaliado também o efeito da radiação UV-B na composição e dinâmica da comunidade bacteriana dos cultivares de soja, IAC 100 e BRS 262, cultivadas sob tratamento com UV solar, UV-B aumentado e UV-B diminuído. Além do potencial antagônico frente à fitopatógenos importantes como Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani e Fusarium solani, as bactérias epifíticas de soja demonstraram que, em geral, são tolerantes a exposição à radiação ultravioleta B, com destaque para bactérias pigmentadas e as que possuem outros métodos de proteção, como por exemplo, a produção de exopolissacarídeos. Outro fator analisado no presente estudo foi a diferença significativa da densidade populacional de bactérias epifíticas cultiváveis de acordo com os estádios fenológicos da soja, onde a fase R1 foi a que apresentou um maior número de bactérias cultiváveis. De maneira geral, as análises de DGGE demonstrou que houve diferença significativa da comunidade bacteriana epifítica dos cultivares de soja de acordo com o estádio fenológico da planta, quando comparada ao acréscimo de radiação recebida. Os resultados obtidos podem oferecer uma contribuição para melhor compreensão na interação entre micro-organismos e a soja, auxiliando na predição de resposta das comunidades epifíticas de acordo com o aumento da incidência da radiação ultravioleta B e estádios fenológicos da planta, levando consequentemente, ao entendimento de como deve se comportar tal interação no contexto das mudanças climáticas. / The interaction between bacteria and plants results in the occurrence of many biological processes in the environment and can be regulated by different variables. Changes in biotic and abiotic factors directly interfere with this interaction leading to changes in the composition of bacterial communities associated with plants. Among those, the epiphytic bacteria can confer some characteristics to their host such as increased resistance to stress conditions, changes in physiological conditions and protection against pathogens. The goals of this work were to evaluate the effect of ultraviolet B radiation on the diversity of epiphytic bacterial of two soybean cultivars, evaluate the resistance of the isolates under radiation and investigate the antagonistic potential of soybean native phyllosphere microorganisms. For this purpose, two isolations of the cultivars \"Conquest\", IAC 100 and BRS 262 were made for different purposes. DGGE which allows the detection of changes in the communities in a culture independent approach was also performed. We evaluated the effect of UV-B in the composition and dynamics of bacterial community of soybean cultivars, IAC 100 and BRS 262, grown under solar UV treatments, increased UV-B and decreased UV-B. The antagonism against important phytopathogens such as Pythium aphanidermatum, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solani was also tested, showing that soybean epiphytic bacteria, in general, are tolerant to exposure to ultraviolet B radiation, especially pigmented bacteria and those with other methods of protection, such as the production of exopolysaccharides. Another factor examined in this study was the significant difference in population densities of epiphytic culturable bacteria according to the soybean stages, where the R1 stage showed a greater number of culturable bacteria. In general, the DGGE analysis showed that there were significant differences in the epiphytic bacterial community of soybean cultivars according to the developmental stage of the plant, as compared to the increase of incoming radiation. The results may offer a contribution to better understanding the interaction between microorganisms and soybeans, helping to predict the response of epiphytic communities in accordance with the increased incidence of ultraviolet B radiation and plant growth stages, thus leading to the understanding of the behavior of such an interaction in the context of climate changes.

A radiação solar, composta por radiação ultravioleta (UV), visível (Vis) e infravermelho, é responsável por acelerar os processos de alteração de cor e do conteúdo proteico da fibra capilar. Visando contornar este problema, este trabalho propõe a incorporação do flavonoide quercetina, de reconhecida atividade antioxidante, em uma nanoemulsão catiônica de aplicação capilar. Para tanto, foram desenvolvidas formulações contendo quercetina a 0,5% (p/p) pelo método de baixa energia sub-PIT. A formulação de menor índice de polidispersão (IPD) foi selecionada e submetida à Avaliação de Estabilidade Normal. Neste ensaio, a nanoemulsão foi armazenada em diferentes condições de temperatura por 90 dias, sendo analisados: características organolépticas, valor de pH, atividade antioxidante, conteúdo de quercetina, diâmetro médio de gotícula e potencial zeta. A fotoestabilidade da nanoemulsão envolveu a determinação do perfil de absorção e da sua atividade antioxidante após períodos de exposição à radiação UV/Vis. Posteriormente, a nanoemulsão foi caracterizada quanto aos seguintes parâmetros: eficiência de encapsulamento, perfil reológico, morfologia das gotículas por Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão Criogênica e Microscopia de Força Atômica (AFM). A possível interação entre a quercetina e os demais tensoativos presentes na nanoemulsão foi avaliada por Microscopia Confocal de Fluorescência e Análise térmica. A segurança da nanoemulsão foi determinada pelo método in vitro HET-CAM e por biocompatibilidade cutânea, em voluntários. A eficácia da nanoemulsão catiônica na fotoproteção das características da fibra capilar descolorida tratada com tintura cores loiro (12.0) ou ruivo (6.66) foi determinada avaliando-se os parâmetros cor, tração à ruptura, penteabilidade, fricção, perda proteica, morfologia das cutículas e nível de melanina radical por Espectroscopia de Ressonância Paramagnética Eletrônica (EPR), sendo calculado o Fator de Proteção Radicalar (FPR). As mechas de cabelo tingidas foram expostas à radiação UV/Vis artificial (500 W/m2) por até 180 h, sendo os parâmetros analisados antes e após o período de exposição. A nanoemulsão selecionada pelo reduzido IPD apresentava diâmetro médio de gotícula e potencial zeta iguais a 24,97±0,30 nm e 19,6±2,19 mV, respectivamente. Na Avaliação de Estabilidade Normal, a nanoemulsão armazenada a 45,0±2,0&#176; C apresentou alterações significativas de todos os parâmetros avaliados, exceto potencial zeta, sendo que a elevação do diâmetro médio de gotícula acarretou em perda da transparência. A oxidação da quercetina e a instabilidade do tipo Ostwald ripening (&#969;3) foram as responsáveis pelas modificações observadas. No armazenamento a 5,0±2,0&#176; C, a nanoemulsão manteve todos os parâmetros inalterados, mas a 25±2,0&#176; C houve elevação discreta do diâmetro médio de gotícula, sem perda da funcionalidade. A nanoemulsão apresentou elevada fotoestabilidade, sem alteração da atividade antioxidante após exposição ao UV/Vis. A caracterização da nanoemulsão mostrou que a eficiência de encapsulamento foi de 99,8%, no mínimo, a formulação apresentou típico comportamento newtoniano e as gotículas apresentavam formato esférico. As imagens obtidas por Microscopia Confocal de Fluorescência e o ensaio de Análise térmica mostraram que a quercetina se encontra dentro das gotícula atuando, também, como co-tensoativo, por interagir com os tensoativos, além de exercer sua função antioxidante. A nanoemulsão foi classificada como levemente irritante (método HET-CAM), sendo esse baixo potencial de irritação corroborado pelo teste de biocompatibilidade cutânea. Na avaliação de eficácia, observou-se que a nanoemulsão protegeu a cor total (dE*) do cabelo tingido de loiro em 54%, e elevou a alteração da cor do cabelo tingido de ruivo em 47% (t = 180 h) em comparação à mecha controle. Além disso, a nanoemulsão melhorou a penteabilidade e reduziu os coeficientes de fricção. A radiação UV/Vis provocou elevada perda proteica e redução da espessura das cutículas em aproximadamente 50%. Concluiu-se, pelos resultados obtidos, que as moléculas que compoem a tintura capilar, principalmente os pigmentos mais escuros, atuaram como filtros solares, pois elas protegeram as estruturas proteicas da fibra. A nanoemulsão apresentou FPR igual a 3,31 e 4,14, para as mechas tingidas de loiro e ruivo, respectivamente. O FPR indica a capacidade de uma formulação em reduzir o nível de radicais livres formados por indução da radiação UV/Vis, um dos fatores que induzem alterações na fibra capilar tingida. Assim, considerando que a radiação UV/Vis atua tanto por mecanismos diretos quanto indiretos, e que alterações significativas de cor foram observadas mesmo quando o nível de radicais livres foi reduzido pela ação da quercetina, deve ser incorporada à formulação fotoprotetora capilar filtros solares associados a antioxidantes nanoestruturados. Tais filtros devem ficar aderidos à cutícula, de modo a protegê-la da degradação proteica e reduzir a entrada de radiação para o interior da fibra capilar, local onde os antioxidantes nanoestruturados devem atuar como uma segunda linha de defesa. / The solar radiation, comprising ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS) and infrared, is responsible for accelerating color and protein content changes in the hair fiber. In order to avoid this problem, this work proposes the incorporation of the flavonoid quercetin, a recognized antioxidant molecule, in a cationic nanoemulsion for hair application. For this, formulations containing quercetin 0.5% (w/w) were developed by the low-energy sub-PIT method. The formulation with a lower polydispersity index (PDI), which had HLB value (Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Balance) equal to 12.5 was selected and subjected to the Normal Stability Test. In this assay, the nanoemulsion was stored under different temperature conditions for 90 days, and the following parameters were analyzed: organoleptic properties, pH, antioxidant activity, quercetin content, average droplet diameter and zeta potential. The photostability of the nanoemulsion involved the determination of the absorption profile and its antioxidant activity after periods of exposure to UV/Vis radiation. Subsequently, the nanoemulsion was characterized according to the following parameters: encapsulation efficiency, rheological profile, morphology of the droplets by Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The possible interaction between quercetin and other surfactants present in the nanoemulsion was evaluated by Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy and thermal analysis. The safety of the nanoemulsion was assessed by the in vitro HET-CAM method and by cutaneous biocompatibility in volunteers. The photoprotection effectiveness of the bioactive cationic nanoemulsion was evaluated in blond (color 12.0) and auburn (color 6.66) dyed hair fibers by assessing the parameters: color, tensile break, combing, friction, protein loss, morphology of cuticles and level of melanin radical by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (EPR). The Radical Hair Protection Factor (RHF) was calculated. Dyed hair tresses were exposed to UV/Vis artificial radiation (500 W/m2) for 180 h. The parameters were analyzed before and after the exposure period. The nanoemulsion selected due to its reduced PDI had an average droplet diameter and zeta potential equal to 24.97±0.30 nm and 19.6±2.19 mV, respectively. In the Normal Stability Test, the nanoemulsion stored at 45.0 ± 2.0º C showed significant changes in all parameters except zeta potential, and the increase in the average droplet diameter resulted in the loss of transparency. Oxidation of quercetin and Ostwald ripening instability (&#969;3) were responsible for the changes. At 5.0 ± 2.0º C, the nanoemulsion kept all parameters unchanged, but at 25.0±2.0º C there was a slight increase in the average droplet diameter without loss of functionality. The nanoemulsion showed high photostability since antioxidant activity was not altered after UV/Vis exposure. The characterization of the nanoemulsion showed that the encapsulation efficiency was 99.8% at least, the formulation showed typical Newtonian behavior and droplets were spherical. The images obtained by Confocal Fluorescence Microscopy and thermal analysis showed that quercetin was within the droplet acting, also, as a cosurfactant, due to the interaction with the surfactants. The nanoemulsion was classified as slightly irritating (HET-CAM method), and this low irritation potential was supported by the cutaneous biocompatibility assay. The photoprotective effectiveness evaluation showed that the nanoemulsion protected the total color (dE*) of blond dyed hair in 54%, but raised the color change of auburn dyed hair in 47% (t = 180 h). In addition, the nanoemulsion improved combability and reduced coefficients of friction. UV/Vis radiation caused high protein loss and reduced cuticle thickness by approximately 50%. It was concluded that the molecules that compose hair dye, especially the darker pigments, acted as sun filters because they protected the protein structures of the hair fiber. The nanoemulsion showed RHF equal to 3.31 and 4.14 for blond and auburn dyed hair, respectively. The RHF indicates the ability of a formulation to reduce the level of free radicals formed by UV/Vis induction, one of the factors that induce changes in the dyed hair fibers. Thus, considering that the UV/Vis radiation acts by direct and indirect mechanisms and that significant changes in color were observed even when the level of free radicals has been reduced by the quercetin, chemical filters should be incorporated into hair formulations associated with nanostructured antioxidants in order to fully protect hair fiber. Such filters must be attached to the cuticle, protecting it from protein degradation and reducing the radiation input into the hair fiber, where the nanostructured antioxidants must act as a second line of defense.