| Title | The red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis as a multi products source |
| Abstract | In recent years seaweeds have increasingly attracted interest in the search for new drugs and have been shown to be a primary source of bioactive natural compounds and biomaterials. In the present investigation, the biochemical composition of the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis, collected seasonally in the Lesina Lagoon (Southern Adriatic Sea, Lesina, Italy), was assayed by means of advanced analytical techniques, such as gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and spectrophotometric tests. In particular, analysis of lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins, phycobiliproteins and carbohydrates as well as phenolic content, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity were performed. In winter extracts of G. gracilis, a high content of R-phycoerythrin together with other valuable products such as arachidonic acid (PUFA -6), proteins and carbohydrates was observed. High antioxidant and radical scavenging activities were also detected in summer extracts of the seaweed together with a high content of total phenols. In conclusion, this study points out the possibility of using Gracilaria gracilis as a multi products source for biotechnological, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications even although more investigations are required for separating, purifying and characterizing these bioactive compounds. |
| Source | Marine drugs 11 (10), pp. 3754–3776 |
| Keywords | seaweedbiochemical compositionbiorefineryGracilariaLesina Lagoon |
| Journal | Marine drugs |
| Editor | MDPI,, Basel, |
| Year | 2013 |
| Type | Articolo in rivista |
| DOI | 10.3390/md11103754 |
| Authors | Francavilla, M., Franchi, M., Monteleone, M., Caroppo, C., |
| Text | 278305 2013 10.3390/md11103754 seaweed biochemical composition biorefinery Gracilaria Lesina Lagoon The red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis as a multi products source Francavilla, M., Franchi, M., Monteleone, M., Caroppo, C., CNR ISMAR, Sezione Ecosistemi Costieri di Lesina; Univ Foggia, STAR Agroenergy Res Grp, I 71121 Foggia, Italy; CNR, Inst Coastal Marine Environm, I 74121 Taranto, Italy In recent years seaweeds have increasingly attracted interest in the search for new drugs and have been shown to be a primary source of bioactive natural compounds and biomaterials. In the present investigation, the biochemical composition of the red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis, collected seasonally in the Lesina Lagoon Southern Adriatic Sea, Lesina, Italy , was assayed by means of advanced analytical techniques, such as gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and spectrophotometric tests. In particular, analysis of lipids, fatty acids, sterols, proteins, phycobiliproteins and carbohydrates as well as phenolic content, antioxidant and radical scavenging activity were performed. In winter extracts of G. gracilis, a high content of R phycoerythrin together with other valuable products such as arachidonic acid PUFA 6 , proteins and carbohydrates was observed. High antioxidant and radical scavenging activities were also detected in summer extracts of the seaweed together with a high content of total phenols. In conclusion, this study points out the possibility of using Gracilaria gracilis as a multi products source for biotechnological, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications even although more investigations are required for separating, purifying and characterizing these bioactive compounds. 11 Published version The red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis as a multi products source marinedrugs_11_03754.pdf Articolo in rivista MDPI, 1660 3397 Marine drugs Marine drugs Mar. drugs Marine drugs. carmela.caroppo CAROPPO CARMELA massimo.franchi FRANCHI MASSIMO matteo.francavilla FRANCAVILLA MATTEO AG.P04.006.006 Maricoltura sostenibile |
