Algae as a natural resource of skin protective compoundsTrebše, Polonca (Avtor) Šunta, Urška (Avtor) Nenadović, Milena (Avtor) Čižmek, Lara (Avtor) algaesolvent fractionspigmentsantioxidant activityskin protectionWe present findings from our study on macroalgae (e.g., green Ulva lactuca, brown H. scoparia) and microalgae (e.g., blue Spirulina sp. , green Chlorella sp.), focusing on pigment content, antioxidant and antityrosinase activity, as well as photostability, and photoprotective effects influenced by seasonal changes. Two SPE-derived fractions—methanolic (F3) and dichloromethane (F4)—from lyophilized samples were analyzed with HPLC. Identified were key pigments: lutein, chlorophyll b, and canthaxanthin in green algae; fucoxanthin, lutein, and β-carotene in brown algae; and fucoxanthin, lutein, and chlorophyll b in Chlorella sp.. Spirulina sp. was rich in phycocyanin. Antioxidant activity (e.g. DPPH and ABTS) varied by species, fraction (methanol > chloroform), and season. Fractions from brown algae were also tested for photoprotective features. Exposure to UV-B light did not significantly alter antioxidant activity across samples.20252025-06-06 09:42:51Znanstveno delo169618sl