Abstract
Though numerous valuable compounds from red algae already experience high demand in medicine, nutrition, and different branches of industry, these organisms are still recognized as an underexploited resource. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the chemical composition of 15 Arctic red algal species from the perspective of their practical relevance in medicine and the food industry. We show that several virtually unstudied species may be regarded as promising sources of different valuable metabolites and minerals. Thus, several filamentous ceramialean algae (Ceramium virgatum, Polysiphonia stricta, Savoiea arctica) had total protein content of 20–32% of dry weight, which is comparable to or higher than that of already commercially exploited species (Palmaria palmata, Porphyra sp.). Moreover, ceramialean algae contained high amounts of pigments, macronutrients, and ascorbic acid. Euthora cristata (Gigartinales) accumulated free essential amino acids, taurine, pantothenic acid, and floridoside. Thalli of P. palmata and C. virgatum contained the highest amounts of the nonproteinogenic amino acid β-alanine (9.1 and 3.2 μM g−1 DW, respectively). Several red algae tend to accumulate heavy metals; although this may limit their application in the food industry, it makes them promising candidates for phytoremediation or the use as bioindicators.
Highlights
Marine red macroalgae are known as sources of numerous valuable natural products that currently have high demand in nutrition, medicine, and different branches of industry
Due to its calcareous thallus, C. officinalis has a relatively high percentage of dry weight (DW), which should be taken into account during data analysis
Soluble protein fraction contributed to 37.5–74.9% of the total protein
Summary
Marine red macroalgae are known as sources of numerous valuable natural products that currently have high demand in nutrition, medicine, and different branches of industry. In Asian countries, these algae have long been used as food components in a wide array of applications. A number of substances derived from red algae (e.g., polysaccharides, pigments, lectins, amino acids, phenolic compounds) have antioxidant, antibiotic, and anticancer properties [4,5,6]. They are efficient in the prevention and correction of diet-related metabolic disorders, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes [7,8]. Besides nutraceutical applications, red algae can be used for the production of biofuel [9] and natural colorants [10] and for bioremediation [11]
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