Streptomyces-Derived Metabolites with Potential Photoprotective Properties—A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis on the Reported Chemodiversity

Sun overexposure is associated with the development of diseases that primarily affect the skin, which can lead to skin cancer. Among the main measures of photoprotection is the use of sunscreens. However, there is currently concern about the reported harmful effects to both humans and the environment due to several of the sunscreen ingredients available on the market. For this reason, the search for and development of new agents with photoprotective properties is required. In searching for these metabolites, researchers have turned their attention to microbial sources, especially the microbiota in unusual hostile environments. Among the diverse microorganisms available in nature, Actinobacteria and specifically Streptomyces, have been shown to be a source of metabolites with various biological activities of interest, such as antimicrobial, antitumor and immunomodulator activities. Herein, we present the results of a systematic review of the literature in which Streptomyces isolates were studied as a source of compounds with photoprotective properties. A meta-analysis of the structure-property and structure-activity relationships of those metabolites identified in the qualitative analysis phase was also carried out. These findings indicate that Streptomyces are a source of metabolites with potential applications in the development of new, safe and more eco-friendly sunscreens.