# Potential Bioactive Function of Microbial Metabolites as Inhibitors of Tyrosinase: A Systematic Review

## TL;DR

This review explores microbial metabolites that can inhibit tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanin production, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional inhibitors.

## Contribution

The study systematically identifies and evaluates microbial metabolites as potential tyrosinase inhibitors with biocompatible and sustainable properties.

## Key findings

- Microbial metabolites like indole derivatives and phenolic acids show tyrosinase inhibitory potential.
- IC50 values for inhibitors ranged from micromolar to millimolar levels, with some showing strong efficacy.
- Fungal, bacterial, and algal sources were identified as rich in potential tyrosinase inhibitors.

## Abstract

Tyrosinase (EC 1.14.18.1) is a binuclear copper enzyme responsible for the rate-limiting steps of melanogenesis, catalyzing the hydroxylation of L-tyrosine and oxidation of L-DOPA into o-quinones that polymerize melanin. Beyond its physiological role in pigmentation, tyrosinase is also implicated in food browning and oxidative stress–related disorders, making it a key target in cosmetic, food, and biomedical industries. This systematic review, conducted following PRISMA guidelines, aimed to identify and analyze microbial metabolites with tyrosinase inhibitory potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional inhibitors such as hydroquinone and kojic acid. Literature searches in Scopus and Web of Science (March 2025) yielded 156 records; after screening and applying inclusion criteria, 11 studies were retained for analysis. The inhibitors identified include indole derivatives, phenolic acids, peptides, and triterpenoids, mainly produced by fungi (e.g., Ganoderma lucidum, Trichoderma sp.), actinobacteria (Streptomyces, Massilia), and microalgae (Spirulina, Synechococcus). Reported IC50 values ranged from micromolar to milli-molar levels, with methyl lucidenate F (32.23 µM) and p-coumaric acid (52.71 mM). Mechanisms involved competitive and non-competitive inhibition, as well as gene-level regulation. However, methodological heterogeneity, the predominance of mushroom tyrosinase assays, and limited human enzyme validation constrain translational relevance. Computational modeling, site-directed mutagenesis, and molecular dynamics are proposed to overcome these limitations. Overall, microbial metabolites exhibit promising efficacy, stability, and biocompatibility, positioning them as emerging preclinical candidates for the development of safer and more sustainable tyrosinase inhibitors.