Bio-prospection and compositional multivariate analysis revealed the industrial potential of selected seaweeds along Gujarat seacoast

Abstract

Seaweeds are important marine resources and over-exploited for different applications. The study reports on biochemical constituents and multivariate analysis of abundantly available seaweeds along Gujarat seacoasts. The green seaweeds contained highest galactose contents and found rich in chlorophyll pigment, mineral and protein (12.98 ± 0.49 mg g−1 dw) contents. Brown seaweeds contained highest glucose contents along with carotenoids, fucoxanthin and minerals. Lipids (62.67 ± 0.67 mg g−1) in brown seaweeds constituted higher SFA and MUFA. Red seaweeds contained higher contents of galactose and phycobilin pigments and PUFA. The multivariate analysis enlightened the chemosystematics and biochemical mapping of seaweeds. Novelty of the work suggested cultivation of rhodophyta for pigments and phaeophyta for fatty acid production. The Caulerpa species can serve as biomass resource for biofuel production and Ulva species for production of a protein-rich diet. The results would benchmark the potential seaweed feedstock along Gujarat seacoast for seaweed bio-refinery development.