Photoprotection properties of marine photosynthetic organisms grown in high ultraviolet exposure areas: Cosmeceutical applications

• Published in: Algal research (Amsterdam) Vol. 49; p. 101956
• Main Authors: Schneider, Geniane, Figueroa, Félix L., Vega, Julia, Chaves, Patricia, Álvarez-Gómez, Félix, Korbee, Nathalie, Bonomi-Barufi, José
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.08.2020
• Subjects: Action spectra; Antioxidant activity; Effective solar absorption radiation; Extract photoprotection index; Mycosporine-like amino acids; UV–visible absorption spectra; Action spectra; Effective solar absorption radiation; Mycosporine-like amino acids; UV–visible absorption spectra; Antioxidant activity; Extract photoprotection index
• ISSN: 2211-9264; 2211-9264
• DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2020.101956

Seaweeds have been identified as promising sources of bioactive substances for the cosmeceutical industry, especially by their photoprotection capacity. Accordingly, this study aimed to evaluate the photoprotective properties of extracts from macroalgae and one marine lichen. Samples of 22 species of macroalgae and one marine lichen, were collected along the southern Iberian Peninsula. Hydroethanolic extracts were prepared from algal and marine lichen lyophilized biomass. Ultraviolet (UV) and visible absorption spectra, polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, mycosporine-like amino acid content and composition were analyzed. In order to quantify the photoprotection capacity of the extracts against different biological effects, two new indices were used, i.e., effective solar absorption radiation (%ESAR) and extract photoprotection index (EPI), considering the radiation absorbed and transmitted by the extract, respectively. In the ultraviolet spectrum, Porphyra umbilicalis and Pyropia elongata presented the highest absorbance values at 330 nm, while Ulva lactuca showed a prominent peak at 290 nm. In the visible spectrum, a fucoxanthin peak (450 nm) was strongly evident in extracts from the brown algal species, while green algal extracts presented characteristic chlorophyll a and b peaks at 447, 620 and 664 nm. Polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were much higher in Sargassum vulgare, Carpodesmia tamariscifolia, P. umbilicalis and Lichina pygmaea in comparison to the other species. P. umbilicalis and Bangia atropurpurea showed the highest amount of mycosporine-like amino acids. S. vulgare and P. umbilicalis extracts presented the highest values of potential photoprotection against all analyzed biological response according to the different action spectra. S. vulgare and P. umbilicalis showed an increase in %ESAR values associated with an increase in the concentration of their extracts. Considering the analyzed species, our results suggest that S. vulgare and P. umbilicalis could be potential sources of photoprotective extracts. The potential use of these species in cosmeceutical products is discussed. •Marine organisms were collected and evaluated for photoprotection properties.•Algae and lichen showed high content of polyphenols and antioxidant activity.•Red algae and lichen exhibited high mycosporine-like amino acids content.•Effective solar absorption radiation and extract photoprotection index are proposed.•Sargassum vulgare and Porphyra umbilicalis were highlighted.