Synthesis of next-generation UV indicators for sun safety applications

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Suncayr is currently in the research and development phase of creating a colour change indicator based on incident UV radiation that will tell the user when their sunscreen is no longer effective. Suncayr is currently using a UV responsive molecule that will change from colourless to purple when exposed to the UV radiation of sunlight, indicating to the user that they are being subject to harmful UV rays. Suncayr is looking for next-generation derivatives of their original compound that will exhibit different response factors depending on the amount of incident UV radiation reaching the skin. For example, this molecule might be sufficiently tunable to enable Suncayr to develop products that will exhibit a colour-based warning indication at differing SPF protection levels (such as SPF 2, 4 or 8). If the UV indicator compound can be derivatized to permit such differing properties, it will result in improved indicators that are customizable for different end users. Suncayr lacks the synthetic expertise and facility to make the necessary alterations to their UV responsive dye. By collaborating with the Murphy laboratory, they will gain access to the required personnel, expertise, facilities and equipment necessary to undertake this fundamental research. The Murphy lab will use the complementary strategies of molecular modeling and chemical synthesis to guide their work, which will generate a small library of derivatives for Suncayr to test. Promising candidates will be synthesized on larger scale to provide Suncayr with sufficient materials to carry out their materials performance analyses.