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- Antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of selected red seaweeds from Central PortugalPublication . Freitas, Marta V.; Inácio, Leonardo G.; Ruas, Ana; Silva, Isabela A.; Mouga, Teresa; Pereira, Leonel; Afonso, CléliaThroughout the ages, macroalgae have provided humankind with elements beneficial to human health, and often with bioactive abilities. Yet, while today we fully acknowledge such potential, especially that of the most widely known species, an even greater number of species remain unaknowledged. This holds particularly true for the highly diverse phylum Rhodophyta (red seaweeds) and, therefore, the present study aims to unveil the antioxidant and the antimicrobial potential of twelve red seaweed species collected in central Portugal. Results obtained from the antioxidant assays ABTS and TPC highlighted the high scavenging capacity of the coralline algae Corallina officinalis, Ellisolandia elongata and Amphiroa rigida, and the high phenolic content of Porphyra umbilicalis, whereas the antimicrobial analyses through MIC determination emphasized the activities of Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Mesophyllum lichenoides against, respectively, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study raised awareness of the bioactive potential waiting to be discovered regarding less known Rhodophyta species, such as Amphiroa rigida and Mesophyllum lichenoides. Therefore, we believe this study provides extra steps in pinpointing Rhodophyta species with bioactive potential, encouraging further studies tailored toward a biotechnological perspective, and, ultimately, influencing current perspectives regarding the exploration of seaweeds.
- Sabores do mar: algas edíveis do centro de PortugalPublication . Freitas, Marta v.; Pereira, Leonel; Afonso, Clélia; Mouga, TeresaDescrição das espécies alimentares da zona centro de Portugal
- Different Chondrus crispus aquaculture methods and carrageenan extractionPublication . Tanoeiro, João Rui; Fortunato, Duarte; Cotas, João; Morais, Tiago; Afonso, Clélia; Pereira, LeonelWith the notable scarcity of Chondrus crispus on the Portuguese coast, and interest in exploiting compounds such as carrageenan, this study focuses on investigating different aquaculture methods and recording the yield of carrageenan from specimens grown by different methods. We compare the growth of Chondrus crispus in aquaculture using Free Floating, Cages, Attempted Fixation on Rock, and Fixed Line similar to Long Line. The best method was Free Floating where Nursery 0 had a 24-day Specific Growth Rate (SGR) of 2.08 ± 0.47%/day. The worst method in terms of growth was Nursery 2 (Attempted Fixation on Rock) where the SGR at 28 days was 0.33 ± 0.69%/day, and no fixation was observed. In terms of carrageenan extraction, all culture methods gave rise to biomass that had a lower extraction yield than wild specimens, at 50.95 ± 4.10%. However, the Free-Floating method from Nursery 1 showed an acceptable carrageenan content (31.43 ± 7.00%). Therefore, we demonstrate that the concept of C. crispus cultivation may be key to promoting the sustainability and stability of this species.
- Primary composition and pigments of 11 red seaweed species from the Center of PortugalPublication . Freitas, Marta; Inácio, Leonardo G.; Martins, Mendelson; Afonso, Clélia; Pereira, Leonel; Mouga, TeresaMacroalgae have been regarded as a natural food source since ancient times, their nutritional value being not only proven by recent studies, but also triggering further in-depth research efforts on the matter. The present study aims to provide an insight into the nutritional potential of selected red seaweed species collected in central Portugal by specifically comparing the moist yield and ash content, crude protein, total lipids, carbohydrates and pigment content between species and, ultimately, finding out if there are differences between taxa. The results obtained highlighted the most nutritionally appealing species, namely, Plocamium cartilagineum with respect to protein content (23.18% dw) and Sphaerocococcus coronopifolius with respect to carbohydrate content (40.23% dw), while none of the species studied showed a lipid content higher than 1.80% dw. Regarding pigment content, the highest concentrations of phycoerythrin, carotenoid and chlorophyll a were obtained, respectively, from P. cartilagineum (0.09 mg.mL−1), Porphyra umbilicalis (1.88 µg.g−1 fw) and Jania rubens (38.41 µg.mL−1). We concluded that there are significant differences between the species studied regarding their nutritional profile, with a marked difference between Corallinales and all other species not belonging to this order; regarding pigment content, this variation between orders was not observed. Nevertheless, all the studied species may act as promising complements in a human healthy diet.
- Red seaweed pigments from a biotechnological perspectivePublication . Freitas, Marta V.; Pacheco, Diana; Cotas, João; Mouga, Teresa; Afonso, Clélia; Pereira, LeonelAlgae taxa are notably diverse regarding pigment diversity and composition, red seaweeds (Rhodophyta) being a valuable source of phycobiliproteins (phycoerythrins, phycocyanin, and allophycocyanin), carotenes (carotenoids and xanthophylls), and chlorophyll a. These pigments have a considerable biotechnological potential, which has been translated into several registered patents and commercial applications. However, challenges remain regarding the optimization and subsequent scale-up of extraction and purification methodologies, especially when considering the quality and quantity needs, from an industrial and commercial point of view. This review aims to provide the state-of-the-art information on each of the aforementioned groups of pigments that can be found within Rhodophyta. An outline of the chemical biodiversity within pigment groups, current extraction and purification methodologies and challenges, and an overview of commercially available products and registered patents, will be provided. Thus, the current biotechnological applications of red seaweeds pigments will be highlighted, from a sustainable and economical perspective, as well as their integration in the Blue Economy.