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Identification and distribution of mycosporine‐like amino acids in Brazilian cyanobacteria using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Author(s) -
Geraldes Vanessa,
Jacinavicius Fernanda Rios,
Genuário Diego Bonaldo,
Pinto Ernani
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
rapid communications in mass spectrometry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.528
H-Index - 136
eISSN - 1097-0231
pISSN - 0951-4198
DOI - 10.1002/rcm.8634
Subject(s) - chemistry , cyanobacteria , formic acid , chromatography , mass spectrometry , ammonium formate , acetonitrile , amino acid , high performance liquid chromatography , bacteria , biochemistry , genetics , biology
Rationale Mycosporine‐like amino acids (MAAs) are UV‐absorbing compounds produced by fungi, algae, lichens, and cyanobacteria when exposed to UV radiation. These compounds have photoprotective and antioxidant functions and have been widely studied for possible use in sunscreens and anti‐aging products. This study aims to identify MAA‐producing cyanobacteria with potential application in cosmetics. Methods A method for the identification of MAAs was developed using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐DAD/QTOFMS). Chromatographic separation was carried out using a Synergi 4 μ Hydro‐RP 80A column (150 × 2,0 mm) at 30°C with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution + 2 mM ammonium formate and acetonitrile/water (8:2) + 0.1% formic acid as a mobile phase. Results Out of the 69 cyanobacteria studied, 26 strains (37%) synthesized MAAs. Nine different MAAs were identified using UHPLC‐DAD/QTOFMS. Iminomycosporines were the major group detected (7 in 9 MAAs). In terms of abundance, the most representative genera for MAA production were heterocyte‐forming groups. Oscilatoria sp. CMMA 1600, of homocyte type, produced the greatest diversity of MAAs. Conclusions The UHPLC‐DAD/QTOFMS method is a powerful tool for identification and screening of MAAs in cyanobacterial strains as well as in other organisms such as dinoflagellates, macroalgae, and microalgae. The different cyanobacterial genera isolated from diverse Brazilian biomes and environments are prolific sources of MAAs.