Biotechnological production of arbutins (α- and β-arbutins), skin-lightening agents, and their derivatives

Arbutins (alpha- and beta-arbutins) are glycosylated hydroquinones that are commercially used in the cosmetic industry. These compounds have an inhibitory function against tyrosinase, a critical enzyme for generating pigments, which leads to the prevention of melanin formation, resulting in a whitening effect on the skin. Although beta-arbutin is found in various plants including bearberry, wheat, and pear, alpha-arbutin and other arbutin derivatives are synthesized by chemical and enzymatic methods. This article presents a mini-review of recent studies on the production of alpha-arbutin and other alpha- and beta-arbutin derivatives via enzymatic bioconversion methods. In addition, the structures of alpha- and beta-arbutin derivatives and their biological activities are discussed. The catalytic characteristics of various enzymes used in the biosynthesis of arbutin derivatives are also reviewed.