Ceramium Red Algae Extract Enriched in Biologically Active Compounds Exhibits Radioprotective Effects

Electromagnetic radiation significantly influences organisms, with varying effects depending on the radiation type. While some are harmless, high-energy radiation can induce substantial molecular changes. Algae have evolved defense mechanisms, including the biosynthesis of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which absorb UV radiation and protect sensitive cellular molecules. Literature indicates these compounds can protect human skin cells from solar UV radiation. This study investigates the potential of MAAs to protect mammalian cells from X-rays, which possess higher energy than UV rays. Using Wistar mouse fibroblast cell cultures, we tested radioprotection by interposing an agarose gel containing varying concentrations of an alcoholic extract from the Ceramium genus of red algae between the cells and a radiation source (78.37 to 173 Sv/h). Viability tests and metalloproteinase profiling revealed that the radioprotective efficacy of the fibroblast culture was contingent on both the X-ray intensity and the red algae extract concentration in the agarose gel.