Sunscreens of red algae from Patagonia: a biotechnological perspective

Red algae can synthesize UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acid (MAA) compounds to minimize the damage caused by UV radiation. MAAs are molecules with low molecular weight and absorption maxima in the UV region (310-360 nm). Combined with their antioxidant activities, these features suggest a potential application in the prevention and therapeutic treatment of afflictions related to free-radical production and UV irradiation in humans. However, the use of MAAs in biotechnological products is limited by the low concentrations of these compounds in macroalgae harvested from the wild. Thus, species with high MAA concentrations are desirable. Information on red algae from Patagonia generally shows low concentrations of MAAs. However, increased MAA or at least changes in individual MAA concentration have been observed in certain species under stressful conditions. Additionally, methanolic extracts show an interesting absorption in the UVB region in certain red algae species, such as Lophurella hoockeriana.