| Name: | Description: | Size: | Format: | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.74 MB | Adobe PDF |
Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Algae are underexplored resources in Western countries and novel approaches are needed
to boost their industrial exploitation. In this work, eight edible seaweeds were subjected to their
valorization in terms of nutritional characterization, thermochemical properties, and bioactive profile.
Our results suggest that seaweeds present a rich nutritional profile, in which carbohydrates are
present in high proportions, followed by a moderate protein composition and a valuable content
of !-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The thermochemical characterization of seaweeds showed that
some macroalgae present a low ash content and high volatile matter and carbon fixation rates,
being promising sources for alternative biofuel production. The bioactive profile of seaweeds was
obtained from their phenolic and carotenoid content, together with the evaluation of their associated
bioactivities. Among all the species analyzed, Porphyra purpurea presented a balanced composition in
terms of carbohydrates and proteins and the best thermochemical profile. This species also showed
moderate anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, Himanthalia elongata extracts showed the highest
contents of total phenolics and a moderate carotenoid content, which led to the highest rates of
antioxidant activity. Overall, these results suggest that seaweeds can be used as food or functional
ingredient to increase the nutritional quality of food formulations.
Description
Keywords
Macroalgae Nutritional composition Alternative bioenergy resource Functional ingredients Antioxidant activity Anti-inflammatory activity
Citation
Cassani, Lucía; Lourenço-Lopes, Catarina; Barral-Martinez, Marta; Chamorro, Franklin; Garcia-Perez, Pascual, Simal-Gandara, Jesus; Prieto, Miguel A. (2022). Thermochemical characterization of eight seaweed species and evaluation of their potential use as an alternative for biofuel production and source of bioactive compounds. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. ISSN 1661-6596. 23:4, p. 1-24