# A Comparative Study of the Antioxidant Status and Biotechnological Potential of Bracteacoccus minor (Chlorophyceae) Strains

## TL;DR

This study compares two Bracteacoccus minor strains, highlighting their different antioxidant responses and biotechnological potential for lipid production.

## Contribution

The study reveals distinct antioxidant mechanisms and lipid profiles in two B. minor strains, offering insights for biotechnological applications.

## Key findings

- Strain MZ–Ch39 showed higher antioxidant activity with catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and retinol.
- Strain MZ–Ch31 accumulated α-tocopherol and carotenoids for its antioxidant response.
- MZ–Ch31 is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, while MZ–Ch39 is rich in omega-6 fatty acids.

## Abstract

The accumulation of metabolites and the antioxidant response in new strains of Bracteacoccus minor MZ–Ch31 and MZ–Ch39 isolated from various biotopes were studied. It was found that the antioxidant response of B. minor MZ–Ch31 and MZ–Ch39 is different. This may be due to the acclimatization of these strains to specific environmental factors of the natural biotope. Strain B. minor MZ–Ch39 had a higher antioxidant activity compared to B. minor MZ–Ch31. The TBA-reactive substance content in B. minor MZ–Ch39 cells was lower than that of MZ–Ch31. The antioxidant response in B. minor MZ–Ch39 was realized by high catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity and accumulation of retinol. In B. minor MZ–Ch31, the antioxidant response was associated with the accumulation of α-tocopherol and carotenoids. The strains did not differ in terms of superoxide dismutase activity. From a biotechnological point of view, B. minor MZ–Ch31 biomass is a valuable resource of lipids rich in omega-3 fatty acids, α-tocopherol, and carotenoids. The B. minor MZ–Ch39 has the potential to generate lipids enriched with essential omega-6 fatty acids.