Efficient extraction and purification of mycosporines-like amino acids (MAAs) following a multiproduct biorefinery approach

A marine bio-based economy has emerged as a sustainable and renewable solution to address the resource depletion of fossil fuels and ensure a responsible and sustainable utilization of natural resources by following a multi-product biorefinery approach. Macroalgae are a valuable source of several high-demand compounds including mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which can absorb UV radiation and protect the skin from external damage. In this work, a sustainable and multi-product biorefinery was designed from Gracilaria sp. by applying a solid–liquid extraction followed by two purification steps, ultrafiltration and induced precipitation. This process enabled the recovery of three valuable compound fractions, one rich in phycobiliproteins, a second, rich in non-fluorescent proteins, and a third, rich in MAAs (main goal), specifically porphyra-334. In addition, by 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging assay, MAAs-rich fraction revealed enhanced antioxidant activity. Lastly, a comprehensive conceptual design of the process was created, envisioning its implementation at an industrial scale.