Stress tolerance and photoadaptation to solar radiation in Rhodymenia pseudopalmata (Rhodophyta) through mycosporine-like amino acids, phenolic compounds, and pigments in an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture system

Rhodymenia pseudopalmata lives in the intertidal zone receiving high doses of solar radiation, including the potentially harmful UVR. Previous studies proved it ability to adapt to different artificial light intensities and salinity concentrations. The aim of this study was to describe the differences on the Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), phenolic compounds, and pigments of R. pseudopalmata due to exposure to high solar radiation. Vegetative thalli were exposed to solar radiation using a Solar Exposure Chambers System (SECS) under an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) approach with marine fish culture. Samples from natural populations in Playa de Carmen, Mexico were included as reference. The biosynthesis of MAAs, and phenolic compounds were stimulated as a response to the stress caused by the exposure to high solar irradiation. Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) revealed seven MAAs and their precursor deoxygadusol. Five MAAs were partially characterized through MS2 and fragmentation patterns suggested a common fragmentation pattern pathway. After seven days (D7), the MAAs total content was significant five-fold higher compared to wild populations (0.26 ± 0.1 mg g−1 DW). The Individual composition increased from four MAAs at D0, up to eight at D7, including deoxygadusol, palythene and usujirene, MAAs with high antioxidant activity. At D7, phenolic compounds increased up to 20%, and the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity reduced the IC50 to 4.0 ± 0.6 mg mL−1. The pigment content, Phycoerythrin (PE):Chl-a, and MAAs:Chl-a ratios might confer a unique photoprotection role from PE and MAAs to Chl-a. Similarly, Fv/Fm which was adapted to the variations of Photosynthetic Active Radiation (PAR) indicated a process of dynamic photoinhibition. Overall, our results evidenced the ability of this species to tolerate the stress to high solar irradiance and suggested the photoadaptation of the thalli. Farming possibilities, expected MAAs productivity, potential applications of MAAs and ecological considerations are also discussed.