Extraction and characterization of UV-absorbing compounds from sea urchin Echinometra mathaei

In this study, the occurrence of mycosporin-like amino acids in the sea urchin Echinometra mathaei from Persian Gulf was assessed for the first time. Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are UV-absorbing compounds that are synthesized by some organisms to counteract the harmful effects of UV radiation. Mycosporine-like amino acids in different parts of E. mathaei was assessed by HPLC and LC-MS analysis. Moreover, antioxidant ability of total extract of shell as well as its fractions were evaluate using DPPH assay. Combination of UV and LC-MS data values revealed the occurrence of Shinorine in the shell of E. mathaei. Total extract of urchin shell showed IC50 value of 231µg/mL which contributed to the mycosporine-like amino acid shinorine.