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Photo Protection of Haematococcus pluvialis Algae by Astaxanthin: Unique Properties of Astaxanthin Deduced by EPR, Optical and Electrochemical Studies

Journal Article · · Antioxidants
 [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Valdosta State Univ., Valdosta, GA (United States); Department of Chemistry, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, GA 31698, USA
  2. Institute of Chemical Kinetics and Combustion, Novosibirsk (Russia)
  3. Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States)
The antioxidant astaxanthin is known to accumulate in Haematococcus pluvialis algae under unfavorable environmental conditions for normal cell growth. The accumulated astaxanthin functions as a protective agent against oxidative stress damage, and tolerance to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) is greater in astaxanthin-rich cells. The detailed mechanisms of protection have remained elusive, however, our Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR), optical and electrochemical studies on carotenoids suggest that astaxanthin’s efficiency as a protective agent could be related to its ability to form chelate complexes with metals and to be esterified, its inability to aggregate in the ester form, its high oxidation potential and the ability to form proton loss neutral radicals under high illumination in the presence of metal ions. In conclusion, the neutral radical species formed by deprotonation of the radical cations can be very effective quenchers of the excited states of chlorophyll under high irradiation.
Research Organization:
Univ. of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22). The Chemical Sciences, Geosciences and Biosciences Division
Grant/Contract Number:
FG02-86ER13465
OSTI ID:
1499688
Journal Information:
Antioxidants, Journal Name: Antioxidants Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 6; ISSN 2076-3921; ISSN ANTIGE
Publisher:
MDPICopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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In-Vitro Antioxidant Properties of Lipophilic Antioxidant Compounds from 3 Brown Seaweed journal November 2019
Storage of Carotenoids in Crustaceans as an Adaptation to Modulate Immunopathology and Optimize Immunological and Life‐History Strategies journal September 2019
Morphological Change and Cell Disruption of Haematococcus pluvialis Cyst during High-Pressure Homogenization for Astaxanthin Recovery journal January 2020