Detrimental effects of UV-A radiation on antioxidant capacity and photosynthetic efficiency on a tropical microalga.

Antioxidants are molecules able to neutralize reactive oxygen species with potential applications in the cosmetic or nutraceutical industries. Abiotic stressors, such as light intensity, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or nutrient availability, can influence their production. In the perspective of optimizing and understanding the antioxidant capacity of microalgae, we investigated the effects of UV-A radiation on growth, and antioxidant and photosynthetic activities on Tetraselmis, a microalga genus known for its high antioxidant capacity.