UV-B irradiation enhances the production of unique mycosporine-like amino acids and carotenoids in the subaerial cyanobacterium <i>Pseudanabaena</i> sp. CCNU1

The harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation have increased the demand for new sources UV photoprotectants to develop cosmetic and skin care products. In this study, a filamentous cyanobacterial strain was isolated from topsoil collected in an arid exposed region Chetimari, Niger. On basis 16S rDNA sequences, identified as Pseudanabaena sp. CCNU1. UV-B treatment CCNU1 significantly enhanced production active photoprotectants, including UV-absorbing mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) carotenoids. irradiation mainly induced one MAA, palythine-serine. palythine-serine content high 16 mg g−1 dry weight after 4-day treatment. Eight carotenoids were detected methanol extracts UV-B-treated CCNU1: β-carotene, echinenone, canthaxanthin, zeaxanthin, synechoxanthin, three myxoxanthophyll derivatives. With exception β-carotene these positively correlated with duration. Thus, unique organism that produces considerable abundance well protect against radiation. may be useful producer although genetic relevant biosynthetic pathways remains precisely characterized future.