Photoprotective potential of Eucheuma cottonii extract from Lampung Bay as natural sunscreen agents

Eucheuma cottonii is a seaweed species that contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, hydroquinone phenols, and triterpenoids. However, the presence of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in E. cottonii from Lampung Bay, Indonesia, remains unexplored, despite their high potential for use in sunscreen creams to enhance the economic value of seaweed. This study aimed to identify MAAs and determine the photoprotective activity of E. cottonii collected from Lampung Bay. MAAs were extracted using hot maceration (40°C) in either 25% methanol or 25% ethanol. Phytochemical analysis, MAAs quantification, and SPF testing were performed to evaluate photoprotective activity. Extraction using hydroethanol yielded a higher rendement than that using hydromethanol. Phytochemical testing confirmed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extracts. MAAs were detected using TLC, but further separation and testing were required to confirm the results. The highest SPF values of 20.18±0.99 (25% ethanol) and 16.48±0.53 (25% methanol extract) fell into the ultra-protection category. These results indicate that E. cottonii from Lampung Bay has a strong potential as a raw material for sunscreen formulation.