Efficient Extraction and Antioxidant Capacity of Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids from Red Alga Dulse Palmaria palmata in Japan

Abstract

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are the ultraviolet (UV)-absorbable compounds, which are naturally produced by cyanobacteria and algae. Not only these algae but also marine organisms utilize MAAs to protect their DNA from UV-induced damage. On the other hand, the content of MAAs in algae was changed by the environmental condition and season. In addition to the UV-protected function, the antioxidant capacity of MAAs can apply to the cosmetic sunscreen materials and anti-cancer for human health. In this study, we developed the efficient extraction method of MAAs from red alga dulse in Usujiri (Hokkaido, Japan) and investigated the monthly variation. We also evaluated the antioxidant capacity. We employed the successive extraction method of water and then methanol extraction. Spectrophotometric and HPLC analyses revealed that the yield of MAAs by 6 h water extraction was the highest among the tested conditions, and the content of MAAs in the sample of February was the most (6.930 µmol g−1 dry weight) among the sample from January to May in 2019. Antioxidant capacity of MAAs such as crude MAAs, the purified palythine and porphyra-334 were determined by 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging and ferrous reducing power assays in various pH conditions, showing that the highest scavenging activity and reducing power were found at alkaline condition (pH 8.0).

Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids from Marine Resource

“…Regarding the total MAA concentrations, no differences between the two solvents were found but the highest MAA amounts were observed by injecting them directly in the HPLC. According to these results, distilled water could be an excellent extraction solvent for MAAs, as Nishida et al [ 33 ] concluded in the extraction of MAAs form Palmaria palmata . Nishida et al [ 33 ] applied a successive extraction method by using water and then methanol extraction, and spectrophotometric and HPLC analyses revealed that the yield of MAAs by 6 h water extraction was the highest among the tested conditions.…”

“…According to these results, distilled water could be an excellent extraction solvent for MAAs, as Nishida et al [ 33 ] concluded in the extraction of MAAs form Palmaria palmata . Nishida et al [ 33 ] applied a successive extraction method by using water and then methanol extraction, and spectrophotometric and HPLC analyses revealed that the yield of MAAs by 6 h water extraction was the highest among the tested conditions. Nevertheless, according to Chaves-Peña et al [ 32 ] the re-dissolution in pure methanol after dryness was the best option for the qualitative analysis of the most common MAAs in red algae in contrast to those reported by Karsten et al [ 31 ].…”

“…Consequently, Karsten et al [ 31 ] suggested that methanol should be avoided as a re-dissolution solvent for the HPLC sample preparation. The protocol for extraction and HPLC identification based on the C18 column by Karsten et al [ 31 ] is compared with protocols reported in three papers in this issue [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”

“…In the last part of the Special Issue, Nishida et al [ 33 ] analyzed MAAs in a seasonal study and found that both the highest antioxidant capacity, determined by ABTS methods, and the content of MAAs was reached in February (6.93 μmol g −1 DW). The highest scavenging activity and reducing power were found at alkaline condition (pH 8.0).…”

Nano-Structured Lignin as Green Antioxidant and UV Shielding Ingredient for Sunscreen Applications

“…Sunscreen formulations containing mixtures of secondary metabolites from plants, algae, and fungi, as well as from cyanobacteria [ 40 ], showed a higher shielding effect with respect to commercial filters. In addition, mycosporins and mycosporin-like amino acids (MAAs) [ 41 ] produced by marine phototrophs (dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria, and macro algae) [ 42 ] are able to convert radiative energy in thermal energy without generation of radical species [ 43 ]. Sunscreen formulations containing MAAs from Porphyra umbilicals showed a high protective effect on fibroblasts and keratinocytes exposed to UV-A [ 44 ].…”