Comprehensive Extraction and Biological Activities of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids and Glyceroglycolipids Extracts from Two Macroalgae Ecklonia kurome and Ulva lactuca

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) and glyceroglycolipids have promising applications in various fields, but limited research exists on their simultaneous extraction from macroalgae. This study optimized the key parameters (liquid-solid ratio, extraction temperature and extraction time) in the extraction of MAAs and glyceroglycolipids from <i>Ecklonia kurome</i> and <i>Ulva lactuca</i> using single factor and response surface experiments. The yields of MAAs from <i>E. kurome</i> and <i>U. lactuca</i> were 169.71 mg/g and 177.33 mg/g, respectively, while glyceroglycolipids were extracted from the residue with yields of 163.51 mg/g and 213.45 mg/g, respectively. Both extracts showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities, with the MAAs extracted from <i>U. lactuca</i> demonstrating the strongest effect. The addition of MAA extract to flaxseed oil significantly reduced oxidation rancidity, highlighting its potential as a natural antioxidant for oils. The glyceroglycolipid extract from <i>E. kurome</i> exhibited significant moisture absorption, and a water-retaining agent prepared from this extract showed excellent moisture retention and resistance to high temperatures, freezing, and pressure. A silica gel column chromatography method confirmed the presence of MGDG in the purified glyceroglycolipid extract. These findings suggested that <i>E. kurome</i> and <i>U. lactuca</i> can be converted into high-value-added compounds with potential applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.