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Research Project
Unravelling the Biotechnological Potential of Red Seaweeds Rhodophyta In Culture
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Publications
Sabores do mar: algas edíveis do centro de Portugal
Publication . Freitas, Marta v.; Pereira, Leonel; Afonso, Clélia; Mouga, Teresa
Descrição das espécies alimentares da zona centro de Portugal
Seasonal nutritional profile of Gelidium corneum (Rhodophyta, Gelidiaceae) from the center of Portugal
Publication . Cavaco, Mário; Duarte, Adriana; Freitas, Marta; Afonso, Clélia; Bernardino, Susana M.; Pereira, Leonel; Martins, Mendelson; Mouga, Teresa
Gelidium corneum is a well-known agarophyte, harvested worldwide for its high agar quality. However, the species also exhibits an interesting nutritional profile, but with seasonal variations. Therefore, to evaluate the nutritional value of G. corneum, ash, crude protein, total lipids, and
carbohydrates were analyzed at different times of the year. The heavy metals mercury, arsenic, lead,
cadmium, and tin, as well as iodine were also measured. Finally, the seasonal antioxidant capacity
of G. corneum extracts was evaluated. Our results indicate that the biomass is rich in protein (up to
16.25 ± 0.33%) and carbohydrates (up to 39.5 ± 3.29%), and low in lipids (up to 2.75 ± 0.28%), and
especially in the summer, the AI, TI indexes, n-6/n-3 and h/H ratios (0.93, 0.6, 0.88 and 1.08, respectively) are very interesting. None of the contaminants exceeded the legally established limits, and
the iodine values were adequate for a healthy diet. Finally, the antioxidant capacity is fair, with the
DPPH ≤ 10.89 ± 1.46%, and ABTS ≤ 13.90 ± 1.54% inhibition, FRAP ≤ 0.91 ± 0.22 AAE.g−1, and TPC
≤ 6.82 ± 0.26 GAE.g−1. The results show that G. corneum is an attractive resource, with potential use
as food or as a food supplement.
New insights on the sporulation, germination, and nutritional profile of Gracilaria gracilis (Rhodophyta) grown under controlled conditions
Publication . Freitas, Marta; Mouga, Teresa; Correia, Ana; Afonso, Clélia; Baptista, Teresa
The red seaweed Gracilaria gracilis is a widely cultivated species known for its high agar
content. It is also an important source of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The chemical profile of seaweed depends on the cultivation methods used and the growing conditions to which they are exposed. Thus, two independent methods of sporulation and germination were tested upon Gracilaria gracilis grown in controlled conditions. During the tests, different substrates, culture media and incubation times were tested to induce cystocarp maturation. The results showed that cystocarp maturation and spore release were successful, with a visible volume increase and format change in the protruding cystocarps. Furthermore, the process of maturation to germination was accomplished, fulfilling the complete life cycle. In parallel, the nutritional profile of the biomass
obtained was evaluated and compared with the nutritional values of biomass collected from the environment. Results showed no significant differences between wild specimens and cultivated ones in organic matter, ash content, lipid content, carbohydrates, or phycocolloid content. The present work, therefore, presents two simple alternative methods with potential applications in start-ups aimed at the cultivation of seaweed. Through these methods, it is possible to obtain biomass with nutritional characteristics similar to those obtained in the wild.
Red seaweed pigments from a biotechnological perspective
Publication . Freitas, Marta V.; Pacheco, Diana; Cotas, João; Mouga, Teresa; Afonso, Clélia; Pereira, Leonel
Algae 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.
Optimizing Growth Conditions and Biochemical Properties of Chondracanthus acicularis (Rhodophyta) in Laboratory Settings
Publication . Mouga, Teresa; Sousa, Andreia; Freitas, Marta; Afonso, Clélia
This study aimed to evaluate the laboratory cultivation of Chondracanthus acicu laris, focusing on key environmental parameters such as nutrient levels and light exposure.
The results provide insights into the optimal growth conditions and biochemical com position of C. acicularis, which are crucial for its sustainable exploitation in industrial
applications. Significant differences in the relative growth rate (RGR) and productivity (Y)
were found between the different treatments. Seaweed grown on Provasoli (PES) Medium
with white LED light and red LED light showed the best growth rates. Negative growth
was observed in treatments with Nutribloom plus®, and blue LED light. The proximate
composition analysis revealed a high moisture content across all treatments, with significant
differences in ash and organic matter content between the treatments. The use of LED light
played a crucial role in optimizing growth by influencing photosynthetic efficiency and
pigment production. The proximate composition varied significantly between treatments,
especially ash and organic matter. Light and nutrient conditions also influenced pigmenta tion and colour characteristics, with significant changes in phycoerythrin, phycocyanin,
and chlorophyll concentration. PES treatments consistently showed the highest colour
variation. These findings highlight the influence of environmental conditions on seaweed
growth, productivity, pigmentation, and proximate composition, and provide valuable
insights for optimized cultivation strategies.
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Funding agency
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Funding programme
OE
Funding Award Number
UI/BD/150957/2021