Microalgae as a Source of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs); Advances and Future Prospects

Subhisha Raj, Anusree M. Kuniyil, Arathi Sreenikethanam, Poornachandar Gugulothu, Rajesh Banu Jeyakumar and Amit K. Bajhaiya
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Subhisha Raj: Algal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610104, Tamil Nadu, India
Anusree M. Kuniyil: Algal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610104, Tamil Nadu, India
Arathi Sreenikethanam: Algal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610104, Tamil Nadu, India
Poornachandar Gugulothu: Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610104, Tamil Nadu, India
Rajesh Banu Jeyakumar: Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610104, Tamil Nadu, India
Amit K. Bajhaiya: Algal Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610104, Tamil Nadu, India

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 23, 1-15

Abstract: Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), are secondary metabolites, first reported in 1960 and found to be associated with the light-stimulated sporulation in terrestrial fungi. MAAs are nitrogenous, low molecular weight, water soluble compounds, which are highly stable with cyclohexenone or cycloheximine rings to store the free radicals. Microalgae are considered as a good source of different kinds of MAAs, which in turn, has its own applications in various industries due to its UV absorbing, anti-oxidant and therapeutic properties. Microalgae can be easily cultivated and requires a very short generation time, which makes them environment friendly source of biomolecules such as mycosporine-like amino acids. Modifying the cultural conditions along withmanipulation of genes associated with mycosporine-like amino acids biosynthesis can help to enhance MAAs synthesis and, in turn, can make microalgae suitable bio-refinery for large scale MAAs production. This review focuses on properties and therapeutic applications of mycosporine like amino acids derived from microalgae. Further attention is drawn on various culture and genetic engineering approaches to enhance the MAAs production in microalgae.

Keywords: mycosporine-like amino acids; microalgae; photoprotective activity; anti-cancer activity; genetic engineering; bio-refinery (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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