Mycosporine-like amino acids in microalgae and cyanobacteria: Biosynthesis, diversity, and applications in biotechnology

Abstract

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are water-soluble nitrogenous secondary metabolites that absorb UV radiation. Since the first report on their role in light-stimulated sporulation in terrestrial fungi, several MAA compounds have been identified during 60 years of research in some algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, lichens, dinoflagellates, invertebrates, and even some fish. MAAs cover a wide UV spectrum and have recently been recognized as a potential natural sunscreen feedstock and a good alternative to unnatural products with biological anti-aging effects. In these days of increasing importance of green production, microalgae and cyanobacteria attract the biotechnology industry for production of specific MAA compounds. This review summarizes novel findings on the biosynthesis and biochemical properties of MAAs, their physiological roles in microalgae, and factors that enhance MAA production. The extraction, purification, and identification of specific MAA molecules from different algal sources and the potential use of algal MAAs in the biotechnology industry were evaluated. Overall, this review reports comparative evaluation of recent developments in algal MAA production and emphasizes the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria in this field.