Evaluation of the phototoxicity of extracts and pure compounds from red algal genus Bostrychia

• Grant number: 12/02474-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: April 30, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Medicines Analysis and Control
• Principal Investigator: Lorena Rigo Gaspar Cordeiro
• Grantee: Bianca Bueno Fontanezi Dias Mello
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Marine natural compounds have often been used in sunscreens due to their antioxidant and biological filter activities. However, some compounds present limited stability and there is almost no safety information regarding their use in formulations since they can have antioxidant or prooxidant behavior, leading to enhanced consumer exposure to unpredictable risks. Thus, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the phototoxicity of extracts and pure compounds from the red algal genus Bostrychia and endophytic fungi associated by using fibroblast culture. For this purpose, firstly the UV absorption spectra of red algal genus Bostrychia extracts will be evaluated in the same way that some of their fractions and pure compounds. Endophytic fungi-associated extracts and pure compounds will also be analyzed. After that, the phototoxicity of selected extracts and pure compound substances with higher photoprotective potential will be evaluated by using 3T3 monolayer fibroblast culture to determine cell viability in the presence and absence of UVA radiation.(AU)